Broads Fork Trail is a lesser known trail that is nicely shaded and has beautiful views, especially in the fall. It is consistently uphill, but not technical.
Directions
Broads Fork Trail begins in Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Mill B Trailhead. This is the same trailhead as Lake Blanche, the accessible Mill B South Trail, and around the corner from the Lower Mill B North Fork Trail. The trail begins at the Mill B Trailhead. As of 12/01/25 this is a fee area $10/vehicle for a 3-day pass, $20/vehicle for a 7-day pass, $60/vehicle for a year pass, or $80/vehicle for the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass that includes all the National Parks and Monuments in the country.
The Mill B Trailhead is almost always crowded because of Lake Blanche. The parking lot is pretty small, but there is additional parking along the road before and after. Just ensure that your vehicle is fully off the road and there are not “No Parking” signs nearby.
The Lake Blanche Trail begins on the east side of the bathrooms. The Broads Fork Trail is on the close side of the parking (southwest corner). You have to walk over to that corner before you see the trail.
The trail heads up the side of the mountainside and within a few minutes you get a partial view looking down the canyon.
Then the trail switches back and continues through the forest.
The next part parallels the creek. There are some really pretty views a couple steps off the trail and then you cross a bridge to the other side.
There are some great views of the water!
The trail continues up the mountainside.
You come up over a rise to an incredible view!
We had to stop and admire!
You hike up through the trees with a few other mountain views.
When you come up out of the trees again head up and to the right.
You come to the most spectacular views!
You can get a bit closer, but the area is kind of swampy around the water.
The views are so gorgeous!
Looking the other direction is nice too.
Some people continue up to Twin Peaks from this point, but it adds several miles and is more challenging. We just ended our hike here with that gorgeous view!
Stats: Distance – 4.5 miles roundtrip
Approximate hiking time – 3 to 4 hours
Elevation gain – 2093 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks, boulders
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – May-October (Avalanche trail, so don’t hike in winter)
Permits needed – As of 12/1/25 it is $10/vehicle or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – No
