Lake Blanche, Lake Florence, and Lake Lillian are three neighboring lakes up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Part of what makes Lake Blanche so picturesque is striking Sundial Peak behind it.
I already have a post about hiking to Lake Blanche and debated about just expanding it, but since this is one of the most beautiful hikes, adding the other lakes deserves its own post.
Directions
This trail begins at the Mill B Trailhead. As of 5/01/25 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 beginning of the trail is paved and is the same as the accessible Mill B South Trail. A few minutes into the trail there is a sign and a trail that leads off to the right, towards Lake Blanche. This is a popular trail, so parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
The trail is easy to follow and a few minutes after splitting from the paved trail, there is a bench and a bridge across the stream. On the far side, head left to continue up the path.
In August the water has slowed a lot.
The path is consistently uphill through pines, aspens, and incredible mountain views!
There is a waterfall you can see from the trail, especially when there is the spring snow melt.
There is one section where you have to climb very briefly up some boulders. In the left photo below, you can see the lower trail and the upper trail with the switchback over the rocks. If you look across the rockslide, you can see a view of the city over the canyon walls.
Wildlife are commonly seen on this trail. Last time I hiked it we saw three deer and a moose, but this time there were only chipmunks and a pika. The wildlfowers were stunning!
There is another viewpoint after the boulders.
Shortly after the boulders you get your first view of Sundial Peak. It is such a distinctive mountain!
Lake Blanche is the first lake you see as you come up the trail.
It is so gorgeous!
Here is a different view.
There is a meadow to the left of the lake you can explore. You can also take the trail that continues up to Sundial Peak. Behind the lake there is a little waterfall/stream just barely back and the flowers and rocks are cool back there.
In early June there will probably be snow and the waterfall is raging. It’s hard to get a good photo though.
There are gorgeous wildflowers all along the trail.
To get to Lakes Florence and Lilian, the easiest way is just to follow the trail that goes along the front on Lake Blanche towards the dam, so head right from the trail. There is a path close to the water or you can head over the rocks.
Immediately after the dam you are looking down on Lake Florence. Do you see behind it, there is smaller Lake Lillian. The photo on the right is of the hillside next to the lake. Do see how there is a trail to go around the lakes if you wish.
That mountain behind Lake Florence and Lake Lilian is Dromedary Peak.
I highly recommend heading down to the closest part of Lake Florence and then turning back towards Lake Blanche. You will see the most beautiful waterfall coming out of Lake Blanche!
During spring runoff the waterfall is raging!
Here is a link to a packing list since Lake Blanche is far enough you will definitely want to be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight and other supplies. Here are a few more of the trail to glorious Lake Blanche, Lake Lilian, and Lake Florence.
Stats: Distance – 6.9 miler rountrip to Blanche, 8-9 miles roundtrip depending on how much exploring you do.
Approximate hiking time – 3 to 6 hours
Elevation gain – 2706 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks, boulders
Bathrooms – At Trailhead
Seasons to hike – Year-Round
Permits needed – As of 5/1/25 it is $10/vehicle or a National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – No
Lower Mill B North Fork Trail begins at the same trailhead. If you like the trail to Lake Blanche you might like Sunset Peak, Patsy Marley Peak, Mount Tuscarora, or Mount Wolverine.
