Lake Mary Trail
Distance: 1 mile
Elevation Gain: 760 feet
Access: Paved
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Lake Mary is a very popular summer hiking destination. I'd never been on a hike where I've seen so many young kids in backpacks. This seems to be the place for young families. With the trail only being a mile, going to a scenic alpine lake, who can resist such an easy destination. You will have to work a bit, although never steep, the trail does climb up the hill the entire time. Lake Mary has a nice shoreline for picnics although they have signs saying no swimming. For more adventure, continue hiking past the lake and in a short distance is Lake Martha. A short side trip just before Lake Mary is a side trail to Dog Lake.
The trail starts off as gravel rocks through the lodges area, then becomes hardpack dirt as it climbs below the ski lifts. The first half of the trail has no shade. As the trail approaches the final climb to the lake, it passes a waterfall just off to the right side. Nothing spectacular but you can look down it from above. At the dog lake junction (next to the waterfall), a sign indicates Lake Mary is still 1/2 mile. Not true, you've already gone most of the distance. Next the trail goes below the dam signaling your very close to the lake. Once at the lake, most people find a spot in the rocks along the shore and relax.
Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon to the very end at the Brighton Ski Area. Park in the big lot with the ski lifts and lodges.
Views from the trail
Lake Mary trail
Lake Mary dam
Mount Millicent from the east shore of Lake Mary
Looking up the valley to where Lake Catherine and Catherine Pass are at
Trail start
Lake Mary trail