Hike through golden aspens on the Bloods Lake Trail
HikingModerateSummerYear-round
Drive to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon for a brisk, high-altitude trek to a pristine alpine lake surrounded by vibrant October fall foliage.
Itinerary tips
- 1Plan for a 2.5 to 3-hour round trip to allow enough time for photography and a lakeside snack at 9,500 feet.
- 2Arrive at the Guardman Pass trailhead before 8:00 AM, as the limited parking lot fills up rapidly during peak foliage weekends.
- 3Pack a windbreaker and extra layers, because temperatures at the summit are typically 15 to 20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake Valley.
- 4Bring plenty of water and move slowly to acclimate to the high altitude, which can cause shortness of breath for sea-level visitors.
- 5Download offline maps or carry a physical trail guide since cellular service is virtually non-existent once you enter Big Cottonwood Canyon.
- 6Stop at Silver Fork Lodge on your way back down the canyon for a hearty post-hike brunch on their outdoor deck.
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Hiking
