Brighton Lakes

"The indoor life is the next best thing to premature burial."  Ed Abbey

I somewhat agree with Mr. Abbey so I decided to do one of my all time favorite hikes yesterday - the trail from Lake Mary to Lake Catherine.  The trailhead is found at Brighton ski resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon.  This section of trail also happens to be part of the Great Western Trail. (Plus I was itching to see some snow - go ahead call me craZy!)

Part One ** Lake Mary

There was a good amount of snow and ice on the trail, but nothing to deter hikers.  We like to get our shoes wet and muddy.  It is only 1 mile to reach Lake Mary. 

Part Two ** Lake Martha

Only .3 miles east of Lake Mary sets pretty Lake Martha at the base of Mount Tuscarora.  Lake Martha doesn't get as much traffic as Lake Mary which makes it feel remote and so peaceful!  I love the island of pines on this lake.

Part Three ** Lake Catherine



 Another .7 miles along the Great Western Trail brings you to lovely Lake Catherine.  I love the section of trail from Lake Martha to Lake Catherine.  You have some fine views of Big Cottonwood canyon and Brighton Ski Resort.  

Lake Catherine sets at the base of Sunset Peak 10,648 which is a very easy peak to summit.  My roundtrip hike totaled 4.4 miles with an elevation gain of 1150 feet.  It is just so pretty in our canyons and I love taking pictures!

Along the Trail



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Peaks Bagged 2013

1. Grandeur Peak ♦♦ 8299

2. Reynolds Peak ♦♦ 9422

3. South Guardsman Pass Peak ♦♦ 10,420

4. Mount Baldy ♦♦ 11,068

5. Mount Evergreen ♦♦ 9,840

6. Mount Tuscarora ♦♦ 10,660

7. Mount Wolverine ♦♦ 10,795

8. Sugarloaf Peak ♦♦ 11,051

9. Little Water Peak ♦♦ 9,605

******Miles hiked tally

beginning March 22, 2013

152.5