Bloods and Lackawaxen Lakes

Wasatch Front

Overview

( Rated 4.5 / 2 Ratings )

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RATING: Easy Hiking.

LENGTH: 2-3 hours (Bloods Lake 3.1 miles, Full Route 5.2 miles)

MAPS: BRIGHTON, UT

Wed

44 | 28

Thu

53 | 35

Fri

51 | 37

Sat

44 | 33

Sun

49 | 34

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SEASON: Late spring through fall.

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: Filterable at the lake.

Wed

44 | 28

Thu

53 | 35

Fri

51 | 37

Sat

44 | 33

Sun

49 | 34

View Full Weather Details

roadside

hike

fall colors

dog friendly

access: paved

Colors along the way to Lackawaxen Lake

Bloods Lake is a very popular outing, particularly with dog owners. The area was once slated for development but saved as part of the Bonanza Flat Conservation Area. As of 2019, the hike is still open to dogs, but there is some discussion of closing it to dogs as part of watershed conservation. The walk to Bloods is an excellent outing, though I prefer to continue to Lackawaxen, a mile past Bloods Lake.

Lackawaxen Lake is the pretty lake, with an odd name. It, presumably, is named after the Lackawaxen River (or Township) in Pennsylvania. This Lackawaxen is very scenic, tucked up next to the ridge near Brighton. Being scenic, it is a very popular hike on weekends. The proximity to Salt Lake and short distance make this an ideal family-friendly hike or even short overnight backpack.

Those looking for dramatic autumn leaf viewing would be well advised to drive to the trailhead, even if skipping the hike. The small parking lot is generally packed in the autumn when the leaves are changing color.

Note: Dogs are no longer allowed at Bloods Lake.They are still allowed at Lackawaven Lake.

Ruby and Diane enjoying the lake.

Getting There

From Salt Lake City, go up Big Cottonwood canyon. (Signed Brighton Ski Area, exit 6 off of I-215 on the east side of Salt Lake).

Just before Brighton, the signed Guardsman Pass road goes off on the left (north side). It is a paved 2 lane road, but comes in quickly and can be easy to miss. If you end up at Brighton, just backtrack a short distance. Follow the Gaurdsman Pass road about 3 miles to the pass proper, then an additional 1.1 miles to a large signed parking area on the left. This is the trailhead,

Bloods Lake

Route

To Bloods Lake (1.5 miles/45 minutes)
From the trailhead cross the road and follow the new (as of 2019) trail as it heads south to Bloods Lake. The trail takes many long, lazy switchbacks en route and is an excellent place for summer wildflowers and fall colors. It is about 1.5 miles to Bloods Lake, but with elevation gain, may take 45-60 minutes or so at a leisurely pace.

Note: If hiking with dogs, a junction just before Bloods Lake is signed no dogs beyond the sign to Bloods Lake. To continue on to Lackawaxen with a dog, go left, then left again at a second junction just a few minutes down the trail. Finally, take a right at the third junction, signed Lackawaxen Lake. For those without dogs, you can visit Bloods Lake and continue on a trail past Bloods to Lackawaven. The area is well signed and trails have been recently improved.

To Lackawaxen (1 mile past Bloods Lake)
When you reach Bloods Lake, the trail continues to Lackawaxen Lake. It is riddled with small side trails. Stay on the main trail that is generally easy to discern. It makes a switchback, climbs above Bloods Lake, then travels southwest in a shallow valley. As it nears the base of the ridge, the trail heads south then a touch east to the lake. Return the same way.

Photos

The lake is off the ridge in the center, below the talus hidden by the trees.

Maps

Bloods Lake / 3.04 miles / Elevation Range 9,174 - 9,519 ft.

Full Route / 5.19 miles / Elevation Range 9,174 - 10,096 ft.

Printable Maps:

Bloods and Lackawaxen Lakes - Hiking Map

Trailhead	12T 454605mE 4495592mN N40° 36' 36" W111° 32' 12"
Bloods Lake	12T 453437mE 4494700mN N40° 36' 06" W111° 33' 01"
Lackawaxen Lake	12T 453015mE 4493651mN N40° 35' 32" W111° 33' 19"