One of my favorite hikes is to stunning Lake Mary up at Brighton at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. It is such a beautiful lake that looks a bit different every time I go!
Directions
The trail begins at the Brighton Ski Lodge at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. You can access the restrooms by entering the doors by heading right around the corner and up a level from the ski ticket windows. You will also see the main sign for the Lake Mary Trailhead.
Lake Mary Trail
The first 0.6 miles of the trail are uphill and mostly right under the lift, with a few switchbacks. This trail is moderate, but there isn’t much shade, so plan accordingly. The beginning is the hardest part of the whole hike, so don’t get discouraged. Even kids can do it with breaks.
In July and August the wildflowers are spectacular!
In the fall the colors are gorgeous!
As you are hiking under the lift in the summer you might notice the disc golf course.
There are some very large rocks and boulders partway up the trail.
After the rocks it flattens up a bit and then the trail makes a right. There is a little sign to indicate the trail direction.
At this part I saw a mule deer.
Other animals you might see are marmots, chipmunks, pot guts, squirrels, moose, and birds.
After that sign the trail is uphill again.
Here there is an overlook to see the parking lot where you parked down below. If you look across you can see the “Mickey Rock” on the mountainside.
The parking lot in the distance is where we started, so you can see how far you’ve come.
You will see a sign that gives the distances to nearby areas. If you want to make the quick detour to Dog Lake, it will only take a few minutes.
Dog Lake
Dog Lake is more of a pond, but if the wildflowers are in season it is definitely worth the detour. Aren’t these lupines divine?!
The trail is short and easy winding through pines and fields of wildflowers.
As you approach dog lake there is a clearing. You can see Dog Lake itself isn’t as impressive as the neighboring lakes. Sometimes the bugs are too much, and if so you can just stop whenever or skip it.
Here is a closer view.
This photo was taken looking down on Dog Lake from the trail between Lake Martha and Lake Catherine, so it isn’t a view you would get going directly there.
The wildflowers and the possibility of wildlife are the main draws. I love Indian Paintbrush!
Lake Mary Trail (continued)
Whether or not you detoured to Dog Lake, you will continue on the trail towards Lake Mary following the direction of the sign. You will pass a little bridge and depending on the time of year a tiny pond.
Continue along the path.
The wildflowers are so enchanting this time of year!
Soon you see the river next to the trail.
As you approach the dam you will need to climb up the rocks towards the left. There is almost always water running down the rocks. You can step from rock to rock and avoid getting wet. A hiking pole makes this part easier.
This time of year the wildflowers are near the lake too.
Lake Mary is such a show-stopper!
It is big and beautiful! It looks a little different each time depending on the sky.
Lake Mary is stocked so you can fish if you want. I could only get pictures of smaller trout swimming in the water.
Most years this hike is best with micro-spikes until after the 4th of July. This is from mid-July 2019. In 2020 and 2021 the snow melted more quickly, so most of the snow has already melted by mid-June.
I hiked the entire way from the parking lot in microspikes in late-May to see the glacial ice melting on Lake Mary.
Evening pictures are pretty awesome too! It was a full moon, so the stars weren’t as bright as they otherwise mi
Lake Mary is a bit of an incline, but such a beautiful destination. If you want to continue up to Lake Martha it is only an extra ten minutes round trip. Martha is a bit more like a pond.
The highest of the “Three Brighton Sisters” is Lake Catherine. If you go to all three it is called the Brighton Lakes Trail. From Lake Catherine you can also continue up to Sunset Peak, Mt. Tuscarora, or Mt. Wolverine. You can also head over to Twin Lakes along this trail.
Here are a few more of beautiful Lake Mary!
Stats: Distance – 2.6 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 1-2 hours
Elevation gain – 849 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks,
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – June-October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – None
Other nearby hikes are Lake Catherine, Twin Lakes, Lake Solitude, Silver Lake, and Willow Heights.
