Mount Tuscarora is the peak with incredible views of three lakes that lies behind Lake Martha and is between Mount Wolverine and Sunset Peak. Unless you are coming from Patsy Marley Peak, then you will need to summit Mt. Tuscarora on your way to Mount Wolverine. This post will describe coming up from Brighton along the Brighton Lakes Trail, but you can read my post about coming from Catherine’s Pass at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon on the Mount Wolverine post.
You begin near the ski lodge and head up under the Majestic Ski Lift, the trail to beautiful Lake Mary. This trail is a bit steep, but even kids can do it if you take your time.
Lake Mary is such a lovely lake! It looks a bit different every time I go because it reflects the sky so well.
Follow the close side of the lake up above to get to Lake Martha. It kind of seems like the trail veers to the right, but stay more a less straight ahead. Then Martha will come up on your right. Martha is smaller than Mary, but it’s still a beautiful place. Behind it lies Mt. Tuscarora.
From the top part of the lake there is a switch back of to the left that then leads you to a view of Dog Lake.
Keep following the trail. As you get closer to Lake Catherine, the trail splits. Either trail will take about the same, but they go on either side of the Lake Catherine.
You will want to head up the hill that goes towards Albion Basin, between Sunset Peak and Mt. Tuscarora. From there you can see the two trails diverging. Take the trail to the right up Mt. Tuscarora. Depending on when you hike, this trail might be full of wildflowers. Most of the peaks near Brighton are relatively easy and only moderate difficulty. In many cases there is no scrambling. Mt. Tuscarora is more challenging than Sunset Peak or Patsy Marley, but it’s still only moderate. Occasionally the trail diverges briefly, but reconnects shortly thereafter.
When you reach the top you can look to the left and see beautiful Lakes Mary and Martha and to the right and see Lake Catherine and Sunset Peak.
Behind you will be Mt. Wolverine. It is an easy climb from here, so I definitely recommend continuing to it.
Stats from Brighton:
Distance – 5.8 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 2-4 hours
Elevation gain – 1981 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
Stats from Catherine’s Pass:
Distance – 4.0 miles there and back
Approximate hiking time – 2-4 hours
Elevation gain – 1358 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
