By McKay Nielsen

About
• Located:
• Twin Peaks Wilderness near Salt Lake City, UT
• Moderate Difficulty
• 6.9 miles; out and back
• Popular for Camping, Hiking, Fishing
• Features
• A waterfall
• Three small lakes
• Beautiful Trees and Wildlife

• No Dogs! No Swimming!
The Challenge

• For the hiking class I am enrolled in, we were to

hike the Lake Blanche Trail.
• It wasn’t required to reach the top, but two
classmates and I were desperate to see it.
• We were given only four hours to hike a near 7
miles round trip.
• The cat ears peak was the goal. The photo was
taken about halfway up the trip.
The Reward
• We were rewarded with a beautiful view of
three small, serene lakes.
• The waters were still and undisturbed.
• Swimming is not allowed as to protect the
wildlife.
• The temptations were respectfully declined,
and the aquatic view was a humbling
stillness.
 Wildlife
The only thing disturbing the glass like waters, was a thirsty moose on the other side of the lake.
We enjoyed watching him cool in the welcoming, yet, forbidden water.
Some caution and paranoia kept with us on our journey home. Always be alert when near wild
animals.
 • With an amazing view of the
valley to return to, we
successfully challenged
ourselves and completed the
trail in the perfect amount of
time.
• We signed out of class right
at the closing minute of the
allotted time frame.
• A well deserved, cold shower
was another welcome
reward after the hot and
intense exercise.

The Return