M n YR I IP P I ii t Horizon photo Larry D. D Curtis Lake Blan Blanche he mirrors the majestic mountains t r f Hike Lake Blanche for rewarding view Larry D. D Curtis f Managing Editor MAGINE sitting on a rock IMAGINE surrounded by pine and aspen trees watching the sun dip behind the western mountains mountains mountains moun moun- as it casts an red orange-red twilight on the Great Salt Lake Only a few yards to the then n east is a mirrored lake reflecting reflecting reflecting reflect reflect- ing the image of ma majestic jestic snow-capped snow peaks and the soft waterfall that feeds its it's infested fish-infested waters This is 1 Lake Blanche The lake is nestled in the tops of the mountains accessible accessible accessible sible near the S liS curve in Big Cottonwood Canyon The only access is a challenging shoulder wide trail about two Y miles long wind winding ng through trees and paralleling a brook much of the way The view from the trail is almost as spectacular as the view from the top Many find the trail perfect for a day hike carrying only water or lunch Others pack in sleeping bags and food to stay overnight The US U.S. Forest Service Service Service Ser Ser- Ser Ser- vice has designated the area as asa asa a wilderness area There are no facilities or ori orl i l purified water so campers c. c must pack water or purify it on location a microorganism microorganism micro micro- organism sometimes found in mount mountain run off can be extremely extremely extremely ex ex- ex- ex uncomfortable for those who ingest it and can be potentially fatal The twin peaks wilderness area which includes Lake Blanche prohibits fires Those desiring to cook are expected to pack in a camp stove Forest rangers make an effort effort effort ef ef- ef- ef fort to visit each camp daily to ensure that hikers and campers are aware of the rules They also are authorized to issue citations for any violations violations violations viola viola- in the fragile wilderness area During the evening hours mosquitoes mosquitoes' can cause great dis dis- dis comfort The insects seem to fade with the light of the sun and the drop in temperature A night at the lake brings whole new wonders Away from the light of the city the sky takes on a whole new char char- acter Stars become breathtakingly breathtakingly breathtakingly beautiful filling the night Constellations are clear and seen with ease Moonlight fills the surrounding scenes with a unique beauty Hiking to Lake Blanche isn't easy But the rewards of the two to three hour hike are well worth the effort