After work yesterday, I wanted to find some mountain goats for Tim. I was hoping to send some photos of them to him last night. I had heard that there are mountain goats at the entrance to Little Cottonwood Canyon, but this night there were none. I think this was because I took a wrong turn and entered Big Cottonwood Canyon instead. So I drove a little ways and parked at Mill B South Fork and hiked up a little and then saw signs for Lake Blanche Trail. In my reading, I had seen a photo of Lake Blanche but had no idea how strenuous the hike would be. It was hard work, but well worth it. I got to a point in the hike where I wanted to turn back but I wouldn’t let myself and I am so glad I didn’t. Lake Blanche sits at the base of Sundial Peak which you can see in the third photo below.
I wasn’t expecting to get exercise but when I got into my car at the trailhead at the end of the hike, I was exhausted and felt great (other than my knees). The hike is pretty steep and if you have knees like I do, it hurts on the way down. I am also glad that I brought a liter of water because I drank it all. Make sure you bring some bug spray, the last mile up the hike I was swatting mosquitoes.
I started the trail at 6:30 and was able to get back to the trail head by 9:30 when the sun took its last breath. I sprinted down the trail, scared that I wouldn’t make it back down before it got dark.
Posted by Jenn Ackerman
