Salt Lake City: Lake Blanche Trail

This steep 6.2-mile out-and-back leads to one of the most celebrated alpine scenes--Lake Blanche under the spires of Sundial Peak--in the Wasatch Range.

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Trail Facts

  • Distance: 5.0

Waypoints

LBT009

Location: 40.6124801635742, -111.698303222656

Look back for more stellar mountain views

LBT010

Location: 40.6101493835449, -111.69409942627

Steep switchbacks begin

LBT011

Location: 40.6106414794922, -111.693496704102

Navigate safely between boulders, keeping an eye out for poorly marked switchback leading R

LBT012

Location: 40.608039855957, -111.692001342773

Trail exits a stand of quaking aspens onto a solid rock trail

LBT013

Location: 40.6063194274902, -111.692001342773

Photo op: Huge sawtooth spires of Sundial Peak command the horizon behind the waters of Lake Blanche and its two sister lakes. Camping allowed; return to car

LBT008

Location: 40.6133193969727, -111.699203491211

Trail heads SE, bypassing steep cliffs in gorge

LBT003

Location: 40.6309700012207, -111.716499328613

Look behind you as the fi rst-rate views of a snow-patched ridgeline begin to unfold

LBT006

Location: 40.6150894165039, -111.705703735352

Stare across the valley as puffy clouds sail over Wasatch Range

LBT001

Location: 40.6330909729004, -111.723197937012

Start near trailhead sign on paved trail

LBT002

Location: 40.632740020752, -111.719703674316

Swing R off paved trail, following signs to Lake Blanche. Pace yourself: It?s a steady climb from here to the lake

LBT004

Location: 40.6224098205566, -111.711303710938

Wildlife watch: Observant hikers may spot a moose lounging on shrubby hillside

LBT005

Location: 40.6173782348633, -111.708000183105

Trail runs near the South Fork

LBT007

Location: 40.6141586303711, -111.703598022461

Listen for rumblings of a 45-ft. waterfall on R

Views from the trail

Location: 40.6313858032227, -111.715690612793

©Mike Trottier

Location: 40.6140327453613, -111.699363708496

©Mike Trottier

Location: 40.6156196594238, -111.705253601074

©Mike Trottier

Lake Blanche

Location: 40.6066093444824, -111.692810058594

©Mike Trottier