Lake Blanche and Beyond

The hike to Lake Blanche is a pretty strenuous one in my book, but the unique scenic beauty of this area make the trip more than worth the effort.  No wonder it is so popular and probably the most hiked trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  This time up we explored the sister lakes of Florence and Lillian.  Again . . .  absolutely beautiful!   These lakes sit in a high alpine basin created by a huge glacier about a million years ago - a geological treasure!  The rocks that surround the lakes are beautifully etched with long marks and smooth grooves as evidence of this glacier activity.  And then there is Sundial Peak at the center of this masterpiece!  With water cascading from its heights into Lake Blanche!  It is the scene from an epic tale.  A little dramatic I know, but tell me that's not pretty impressive!

In the early 1900's dams were built at each lake to create and maintain an abundant supply of water for the dry Salt Lake valley.  These dams have long since crumpled and burst with just the walls remaining and now the water flows from Lake Blanche into Lake Florence, from Lake Florence into Lake Lillian and from Lake Lillian down the canyon until it meets up with Big Cottonwood creek.  Today that water was raging!  

I took a lot of pictures!  Here are some of the best.

 Sundial Peak

So many really cool rocks.  A geologists paradise!

Plantain Buttercups everywhere.

More of Lake Blanche from the west end showing what remains of the 1930's dam with Dromedary Peak in the background and a really nice shot of the reflection of Sundial Peak on the lake.

Now on to Lake Florence.  There is a really beautiful waterfall pouring into Lake Florence from Lake Blanche.  Sundial Peak looks a lot different from this angle.

Last but not least is Lake Lillian.  Another picture of the water flowing from Lake Florence into Lake Lillian, the 1930s dam and also of Sundial Peak from Lake Lillian perspective.

Looking back down canyon from Lake Blanche

We hiked today (May 29, 2014) for 7.7 miles with an elevation gain of around 2700 feet.  I think the key to enjoying this hike is to give yourself plenty of time.  Take many breaks going up AND coming down.  And of course spend time at each lake!  Make an entire day of it if you can.
 

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 Wildflower of the Week

This interesting wildflower is called a Clematis.  It reminds you of a lavender colored paper lantern.  It is a vine plant that climbs into the surround shrubs.  When a Clematis turns to seed it forms long plumes that look like a white stringy "hippy-head".

For myself I hold no preferences among flowers

so long as they are wild, free, spontaneous!"

Ed Abbey

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******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013
Beginning of this Blog

282.1