Sundial Peak (Lake Blanche Extension)

Sundial Peak is the dramatic peak that rises abruptly to the south-southeast of Lake Blanche.  As you gaze at its sheer face from Lake Blanche, the mere thought of climbing to its summit would seem next to impossible for the average hiker.  While the final stretch of this hike requires some careful scrambling, reaching the summit of this peak is easier than it appears.  Upon studying the USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic map, you will notice that Sundial Peak (not listed by name on the map) forms the terminus of a ridge that extends northward from a nameless 11,033-foot peak.  It is from this ridge that the easiest approach to the summit of Sundial Peak is made.

From the north shore of Lake Blanche, the route is accessed by crossing the dam on the right side (west end) of the lake.  The last time I hiked in this area there was a breach in the dam where the stream runs through it, which may require some careful negotiating to stay dry.  Once on the other side, head for the sloping terrace to the right (west) of Sundial Peak just below the hanging valley.  As you ascend this terrace parallel to the cliffs on your left (east), it will curve a little to the left into a small basin.  The hiking gets noticeably steeper at this point as you veer more to the left up a boulder-strewn slope into a higher basin.  In this higher basin the cliffs basically disappear, and you climb more of a vegetative steep slope in a northeasterly direction to the upper bowl of the hanging valley.  At this point, Sundial Peak comes into full view again – although much different looking than from Lake Blanche.  The upper bowl area provides a good spot to rest and/or have lunch before the final stretch of the climb.  From this area, work your way eastward towards the low point along the Sundial Peak ridgeline.  Once the ridgeline is gained and you start working your way northward towards the summit, the exposure becomes readily apparent – particularly off to the right (east).  While the ridgeline is passable to the 10,320-foot summit of Sundial Peak, careful, non-rushed traversing is required that's not for the faint of heart.  In the end though, you are rewarded with spectacular views in all directions.  Distance from the north shore of Lake Blanche is approximately 1.5 miles one-way (4.5 miles from the Mill B Trailhead) with an elevation gain of 1,450 feet (4,120 feet from the trailhead).

View looking north at Sundial Peak
from the upper bowl area

View of Lake Blanche and Mill B Fork
Canyon from the summit of Sundial Peak

Lake Blanche

One of my favorite hikes along the Wasatch Front is the hike to Lake Blanche.  This favoritism is shared by others as well as this hike is quite popular, particularly during the weekends.  Its pristine beauty with the imposing view of Sundial Peak as a backdrop makes this hike well worth the effort.  The local Wasatch Mountain Club actually uses the Sundial Peak backdrop as part of their emblem.  Lake Blanche is the largest of three lakes in the immediate area; the other two being Lake Florence and Lake Lillian.  As you climb near Lake Blanche, the evidence of the glaciers that formed this high mountain cirque becomes apparent as you notice the smooth grooves in the surrounding rock.  From left to right, the rugged summits of Monte Cristo, Sundial Peak, Dromedary Peak, and Sunrise Peak surround the three lakes.  To view all three lakes without much more increased effort, you can hike to the top of the knoll just northwest of Lake Blanche (marked as "8926" on the USGS 1:24,000 scale topographic map).

To reach the trailhead for Lake Blanche from the Salt Lake Valley, take the 6200 South exit (Exit 6) off of I-215 and turn right (at the light) onto Wasatch Boulevard (SR 190).  At Fort Union Boulevard (7200 South), turn left (east) to go up Big Cottonwood Canyon towards the Brighton and Solitude Ski Resorts.  At approximately 4.5 miles up the canyon, the "Mill B Trailhead" sign appears to your right (south) at the bottom of what's known as the S-Curve.  A parking lot is available to the right where the trail begins, or another parking lot is located in the upper bend of the S-Curve.  During busy times, it may be necessary to park along the highway.  At the east end of the lower parking lot, follow the paved foot path for about 0.2 mile to the Lake Blanche trailhead off to your right (south).  The trail climbs west of the stream and then crosses a bridge to the east side of the stream.  It then veers to the north for a bit and then switches south to enter into the Twin Peaks Wilderness Area.  About 1.5 miles into the hike, you will reach a beautiful clearing area before the final, steeper ascent to Lake Blanche.  While most guides and publications list the elevation of Lake Blanche at or slightly above 8,900 feet based on the topographic map, recent LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) data actually puts it closer to 8,870 feet – almost as though the 8,920-foot contour on the map got confused with the 8,880-foot contour.  Distance is approximately 3 miles one-way from the parking lot with an elevation gain of 2,680 feet.

Monte Cristo and Sundial Peak rise
abruptly above Lake Blanche

Dromedary and Sunrise Peaks rise
above Lakes Florence and Lillian