Lake Blanche Hiking Guide
Lake Blanche sits in a hanging basin of pale quartzite slabs beneath the sharp triangle of Sundial Peak, and it is probably the most photographed alpine scene in Utah outside the national parks. Getting there costs 2,700 feet over three and a half miles from the S-curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon, on a trail that climbs steadily and rockily the entire way. Two smaller lakes, Florence and Lillian, sit just beyond on short spurs.
The Climb from Mill B South
The trail leaves the Mill B South Fork trailhead at the bottom of the Big Cottonwood S-curve and starts climbing straight away. It works up the drainage on rocky tread, crosses avalanche paths and open slopes, and steepens through the middle section before the gradient eases as you approach the basin. There is no ambiguity about the route. What there is, is a lot of rock underfoot for three and a half miles.
The Basin
The lake sits on a shelf of glacially polished quartzite, and the slabs are the reason the photographs look the way they do — pale rock, dark water, Sundial Peak behind. Florence and Lillian are a few minutes further on signed spurs and see far fewer people. Do not swim; this is a watershed lake and it is prohibited, as is any contact with the water. Camping is restricted in the basin.
No Dogs, No Exceptions
Big Cottonwood, Little Cottonwood, City Creek and Parleys canyons supply Salt Lake City's drinking water, and dogs are banned outright in the protected watershed — not leashed, banned. Rangers ticket for it. Mill Creek Canyon sits outside the watershed and is the local answer for dog owners. Lake Blanche is squarely inside Big Cottonwood, so dogs are prohibited on this trail. This catches out visitors constantly, particularly people who hiked Mount Olympus with a dog the day before. If you are travelling with a dog in Salt Lake City, Mill Creek Canyon is where you go — Grandeur Peak's east route starts there.
Season and Snow
June through October is the reliable window. Snow lingers in the basin well into early summer and the upper trail can be under it when the trailhead is bare. Autumn is spectacular here, with the aspens turning through late September. Winter travel is avalanche terrain and requires proper training and equipment — this is not a snowshoe stroll, and the drainage has a real avalanche history.
Parking and Timing
The Mill B South lot is small relative to demand and fills very early on summer weekends, with limited roadside options in a canyon where parking is tightly controlled. Big Cottonwood also carries heavy ski and resort traffic. Start early for the parking as much as the heat. Afternoon thunderstorms build over the Wasatch in summer and the open upper basin is exposed.
Hiking tips for Lake Blanche
- Leave the dog at home — Big Cottonwood is protected watershed and the ban is absolute and ticketed.
- Arrive very early for the small Mill B South lot; canyon parking is tightly controlled and overflow options are minimal.
- Expect lingering snow in the basin into early summer even when the trailhead is completely clear.
- Visit the Florence and Lillian spurs — minutes of extra walking for a fraction of the crowds at Blanche.
- Stay out of the water entirely; this is a drinking-water catchment and contact is prohibited, not merely discouraged.
Nearby trails to explore
- Donut Falls
- Cecret Lake
- Mount Olympus
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Lake Blanche is the Wasatch scene everyone wants, and early starts are much easier with a group. Use TrailMates to find Salt Lake hikers heading up Big Cottonwood before the lot fills. Download the TrailMates app to connect.