A lot of people know about it and a LOT of people hike to this lake every year. In case you don't know where it is, I will tell you. I first discovered the Lake Blanche trail head on a date with my wife. We were newly married and decided to find a little place to hike. We went up Big Cottonwood Canyon and found this trail. About 30 minutes into the hike, we were sweating like...crazy. We turned around, but I vowed to return and find out what lay at the end of the trail.
About a year passed and Nathan and I (brudder) decided to go camping to this little spot. We were VERY under-prepared and were kind of young and stupid. We hiked that trail in maybe 90 minutes (which is insane) and I felt sick for a day after. We pushed ourselves a little too hard. BUT WHAT A PLACE!!!
I have since returned 3 more times and have made it a tradition with the Priests and Teachers in my ward each summer.
Last year (that is Sundial Peak):
We don't invite the deacons, unless they are especially strapping lads. This hike is somewhat grueling. Add a 30-40 pound pack, and you've got yourself a nasty little hike.
Last August, I made several mistakes.
Mistake #1: Leaving for the trail head in the middle of August on a 100+ degree day.
Mistake #2: Carrying 1 liter of water.
Mistake #3: Believing that I was still 25 years old.
As we approached the top of the trail, me and my priests quorum advisor collapsed, unable to move. My breathing was out of control and I was starting to go numb in my extremities. Drinking made me feel like I was going to vomit. Then everything started vibrating, as if I were sitting through a small earthquake. In my body. My teachers quorum advisor will graduate soon with a degree in Sports Medicine. If it weren't for him pushing liquids down my throat and forcing me to drink, I might have progressed into that nasty world of heat stroke. I was dangerously close and he was literally searching for the emergency number for Search and Rescue. But after 2 hours of laying down, drinking, and more drinking, I began to feel a LOT better. This is a picture of my buddy Rick laying down underneath "Shade Rock" as I termed it. That rock was my salvation on that hot day:
That fall, Rick urged me to come with him on a DAY hike up to Lake Blanche. He prodded and pushed, and like a kid who fell off the horse, I consented to get back up and try again. I vowed I would never see that place again. But if you ever get the chance, it is one of the most splendid peaceful places to hike to in Utah.
Starting elevation: 6,300 feet
Ending elevation: 9,000 feet
Length of trail: 2.7 miles
It takes about 2.5 hours to hike, if you're in decent shape. Those hiking poles are almost a necessity for this trail. Oh, and it's not just 1 lake. It's 3. They vary in elevations and flow into each other via little waterfalls.
1 comment:
Does Jimbobster know about this leetle hike? He might like it. I felt sick myself hearing your description of how you felt. You painted an excellent picture...
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