Description: As you hike the road next to the creek, watch for the trailhead on the right side. In less than 1/2 a mile, you will cross a bridge. The trail becomes steeper. Shrub oaks and mountain mahogany trees line the trail near the creek. After a mile, aspens and pines start appearing, with a sprinkling of wildflowers. The trail climbs high above the creek as you enter the meadow, about 2 miles into the hike. South of the meadow are beautiful views. A raging waterfall shoots off the mountain, with Dromedary Peak adding a majestic sight. The jagged rocks of Sundial Peak let you know how close you are to your destination. Leaving the meadow, the trail goes back into the aspens and starts zigzagging to the ridgeline. Before the ridgeline, you'll find a boulder field. Hike up the boulders and you will see the trail on the right. On the ridgeline, you'll enter what I call "graffiti alley." Both sides of the alley have the names of past hikers to Lake Blanche. Enjoy reading, but please don't add your mark. Make sure to visit beautiful Florence and Lillian lakes before leaving.

Directions: Drive 4.5 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and park in the Mill B South Trailhead parking lot. The Lake Blanche Trail starts on the paved road near the restrooms.

- Photo, text and graphic by Steve Baker (baker@sltrib.com)

All hikes are listed at http://www.sltrib.com/outdoors