Lake Blanche: The Best 1/2 Day Hike Near Salt Lake City for Epic Views

Looking for a hike near Salt Lake City that looks like you should’ve trained for Everest—but it actually only takes half a day? Look no further than Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

This trail strikes the perfect balance between accessible and awe-inspiring: 6.5-miles round trip with ~2,700 feet of elevation gain. While it’s definitely a workout, the steady incline keeps it challenging without feeling overwhelming. Plan on at least five hours to complete the hike, though you might find yourself lingering at the top just to soak it all in. (Bonus: AllTrails claims I burned around 2,800 calories—trust me, I checked after earning my post-hike pizza and beer!)

Here’s everything you need to know to tackle this unforgettable hike in the spring—plus some tips I picked up while completing it with my gritty, lifelong adventure buddies.

📍 Trailhead Details

Trail Name: Lake Blanche Trail
Location: Twin Peaks Wilderness, Wasatch National Forest
Distance from Salt Lake City: ~20-min drive southeast
Hiking Distance: ~6.5 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 2,726 feet
AllTrails Listing: Lake Blanche Trail on AllTrails

🏔️ Why Hike Lake Blanche?

The views at the top make you feel like you’ve been hiking for days across epic mountain ranges—but in reality, you knocked this one out in half a day! Towering peaks, a serene alpine lake, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering a physically demanding trail? Totally worth it.

🥾 Tips for Hiking Lake Blanche in the Spring

1. Be Ready for Snow
Spring means snow will still be present at the top (we completed this hike on May 9th)—so bring microspikes for your shoes. You’ll thank me when you’re not slipping, sliding, and face-planting into a snowbank. (Just search microspikes for hiking on Amazon and grab a pair—easy.)

2. Hike Early in the Day
As the sun warms the snow, it gets soft and slushy. Wait too long and you risk post-holing (falling through snow up to your knees), spraining an ankle, or worse.

3. Pack Like a Pro

Water (2L was plenty)
Snacks/lunch (2,800 calories doesn’t replace itself!)
Sunscreen & hat 🔥
Layers (you’ll be hot and cold)
Navigation tool (AllTrails, GPS, or a good ol’ map)
First aid kit (always)
Trekking poles (save your knees, thank me later)
Knife & whistle (just in case)

💪 Is It Hard?

Let’s be real: It’s a workout. I’m in decent shape (but not Everest-ready), and I made it through unscathed. If I can do it, you can too—especially if you have awesome hiking buddies to distract you from the burn with laughter, life stories, and a little grit.

👭 The Best Part: Who You Hike With

This hike was a special one for me because I tackled it with my little sister Tanya and my sister-in-law Raquel—two of the best adventure buddies a girl could ask for! Somehow, I lucked out and got these gritty, fierce women gifted into my life by blood and marriage. They push me to try harder, laugh louder, and keep showing up for life’s wildest adventures.