I celebrated my birthday with my sweetheart Melissa by taking a 2,500' ascent from Mill B South Fork in Big Cottonwood Canyon to the picturesque Lake Blanche in the Central Wasatch Mountains.
At 9,000' elevation, the alpine lake is nestled beneath towering peaks to the south. Like a cathedral steeple, the prominent Sundial crowns the scene. Its precipitous cliffs plunge to the lake's basin. To the southwest are Dromedary and O'Sullivan Peaks, both over 11,000'. To the Southeast are Monte Cristo, Mount Superior and accompanying cirques and ridges. This is a spectacular basin with incredible views. It is worth mentioning that Sundial serves as the logo of the Wasatch Mountain Club.
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Last year, Devin and I ventured this trail on the same date and were met with waist-deep snow, not to mention the flurries on the same day. This year, Melissa and I were met with a warm spring and sunny day. Snow was limited to skiffs and lingering drifts around the 9k level and above. Spring flowers were in bloom and leaves adorned trees that typically would only bear buds at this early season. This is considered a moderately strenuous hike by most guidebooks, ascending approximately 800' per mile. While persistent, it is not a treacherous trail by any means. The 3-mile trek is well worth the scenic splendor. It is a popular summer destination, but spring offers a mosquito-free delight.
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| Melissa descends Mill B South Canyon |
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| Below Sundial enroute to cascades |
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| Lunch view |
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| Dromedary Peak |
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