June 19 - Brighton Lakes Trail (Big Cottonwood Canyon)

Sunny day with highs near 80 degrees. Perfect day for another hike.

Today I'm heading up Big Cottonwood Canyon to hike a trail I did many times when I first came here but haven't done in 4-5 years - Brighton Lake Trail.

The trail heads up the Brighton ski slope and then passes Lake Mary (extremely popular lake), Lake Martha (the forgotten lake) and Lake Catherine (a premier destination at 10,100 ft). The entire hike is about 1400 ft in elevation.

Another cool morning in the 40s when I arrive.

As I start up, I'm approach by a young man who wants to hike near me as protection against black bear. I tell him I won't be fast but he's welcome to tail me. No pressure.

About 1/2 way up the slope, two guys catch up and my tail hangs with them (yea)!

There's lots of small green plants on the slope and a fair bit of mud.

I do find some Avalanche Lilies, Alpine Buttercup and some Spring Beauty.

Before long, I reach the turn off for Dog Lake. This is my normal turn-off to head to Snake Creek Pass. But today, I'm heading straight to Lake Mary.

When I arrive, there are a couple of guys fishing but the lake is ice free and looking good.

I slowly move along the lake checking out the views.

When I'm about ready to continue, an older couple is nearing so I let them go ahead and I follow at a distance.

The trail sections heading into the woods  have packed snow/ice on the trail (and lots of snow in the woods) but the open sections are still clear.

I reach the other side of Lake Mary.

Before long, I'm passing Lake Martha.

Soon after Lake Martha, the trail heads back into the woods. The older couple is working their way thru but I see another trail that heads straight up the hill, I think that's where I want to be so I head up the steep hillside.

I get to the top and find the trail. Yea!

And continue along, passing by Dog Lake below.

Back in the woods and there's more snow now but there's a packed down little path to follow and that little slippery path goes across two steep sections. A little nerve wrecking but I put my head down and cross.

That final section, I stop and put my spikes on to cross. Nice views below.

The trail turns and before I know it I'm in the meadow. I make a left turn, cross snow

to get to Lake Catherine. Beautiful!

I thought I got lucky and have the lake all to myself like yesterday but there are 2 guys camping along the lake.

I work my way down the near lake side finally exiting into a water filled trail leading through tons of Marsh Marigolds.

I follow the trail hoping to get up to Catherines Pass but there's too much snow. I know with the spikes I can get up the final 100 ft to the Pass but I've pass over some sections of trail that I consider sketchy and I still need to go back so I don't want to push my luck. I'll get there.

I make my way back to the lake and take a seat to enjoy the surrounding (including the ground squirrels).

Time to start heading down - coming up on Lake Martha and Mary

On the way down, I stop for a couple of loud Clark's Jays.

Awesome day!