Brighton sits at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon with three alpine lakes accessible from its base. Lake Mary is the easiest to reach and the one you do first before wondering how far it is to the others.

Lake Mary Trail starts at Brighton Ski Resort and climbs 800 feet over 2.5 miles round trip through aspen and pine forest to a large, serene alpine lake ringed by rocky cliffs and Wasatch peaks. The lake reflects the surrounding ridgeline on calm mornings and the setting is exactly what high-altitude lakes in the Wasatch are supposed to look like. It’s one of the more accessible alpine lake destinations in the range. The forest section is shaded and cool. The lake is cold. The trail continues past Lake Mary to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine for hikers who want to push the day further.

Here’s everything you need to hike Lake Mary.

Quick Facts

How to Get There

From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to exit 6 (6200 South). Head east on 6200 South, which becomes Wasatch Boulevard. Continue on Wasatch Boulevard and turn right onto Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (UT-190). Drive approximately 14 miles up the canyon to Brighton Ski Resort at the top. The Lake Mary Trailhead is at the base of the resort near the main parking lot. Drive time from downtown Salt Lake City is about 40 to 50 minutes.

Parking Information

Brighton’s main parking lot is large and free. It fills on summer weekend mornings, particularly during peak wildflower season in late July and August. Arrive before 8 a.m. on busy weekends. Restrooms are available near the trailhead, which is a meaningful amenity at this elevation. The lot also serves the Silver Lake Loop and other Brighton area trails, so shared demand is high on peak days.

Cell Service and Navigation

Cell service in Big Cottonwood Canyon is unreliable from about 6 miles up and essentially gone by Brighton at 14 miles. Download your map offline through AllTrails before leaving the valley. The Lake Mary Trail is well-marked from the Brighton base area. The route past Lake Mary to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine requires more navigation attention at junctions. If you’re planning the extended lake chain, download maps for all three objectives before leaving.

What to Expect on Lake Mary Trail

The Forest Ascent

The trail leaves the Brighton base area and climbs through aspen and pine forest on a well-graded path. The lower section passes near ski lifts and crosses a small creek, which adds some sound to the early ascent. The forest canopy provides shade and the wildflowers on the forest floor in mid-summer are solid. The trail is well-traveled and the footpath is clear throughout this section.

Lake Mary

The trees thin as you approach the lake and the terrain becomes rockier. Lake Mary appears in a wide rocky basin with cliffs rising on multiple sides and ridgeline peaks defining the skyline above. The lake is large for its elevation. On calm mornings the surface mirrors the surrounding peaks in a way that rewards arriving early before wind ripples the water. Rocky sections near the shore provide natural seating. The area is a natural rest point before deciding whether to continue to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine above.

The Extended Lake Chain

Lake Martha and Lake Catherine are accessible from Lake Mary with additional gain and mileage beyond the 2.5-mile round trip. The full lake chain loop is a more committed day and requires solid navigation at the upper junctions. If you’re planning this extension, load all three trail segments offline before leaving the valley and plan the extra time accordingly.

Trail Difficulty and Length

Lake Mary Trail is 2.5 miles round trip with 800 feet of elevation gain. The moderate rating is accurate. The forest approach is well-graded. The rocky sections near the lake require some footing attention. At Brighton’s elevation the altitude is a consideration for visitors not acclimated to high-altitude hiking. The starting elevation at Brighton is approximately 8,700 feet. Pace yourself accordingly and bring more water than the short mileage suggests. Budget 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the round trip with time at the lake.

Dog Friendly?

No. Big Cottonwood Canyon is a protected municipal watershed. Dogs are prohibited on all trails throughout the canyon. No exceptions. Millcreek Canyon, one canyon north, allows dogs on odd-numbered calendar days with a leash requirement and has solid trail options at multiple difficulty levels.

What to Bring

At least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per person. The altitude at Brighton means dehydration hits faster than at valley elevation even on a short hike. Trail shoes or hiking boots with grip for the rocky lake shore sections. A light layer for the lake, which stays cold even on warm days due to the elevation and the surrounding cliffs keeping the basin shaded. A camera for the lake reflection and the peak views above the shoreline. A wide-angle lens handles the full basin panorama. Bug spray in July and August when the lakeshore gets active. Microspikes if visiting in early season when ice can linger near the shore.

Best Time to Hike Lake Mary Trail

Late June through September is the primary season. The trail is typically snow-free by late June though conditions vary year to year. July and August bring peak wildflowers on the lower forest sections and the lake is at its summer best. Fall delivers aspen color in the forest section in late September and early October and crisp air that clears the view of the surrounding peaks. Winter visits require snowshoes or microspikes and knowledge of avalanche conditions in the surrounding terrain.

For photography, the lake reflection window is best in the first hour after sunrise before morning winds break the surface. Overcast days are solid for the forest section and eliminate harsh shadows on the rocky lake shore. A polarizing filter helps cut glare on the lake surface on clear days. The peak views above the shoreline photograph best in morning light before the sun moves overhead.

Rules and Regulations

Lake Mary Trail is in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest inside the Big Cottonwood Canyon watershed. No dogs, no swimming or wading in the lake, no fee. Leave No Trace fully. Stay on established trails to protect the fragile alpine vegetation near the lakeshore. Don’t camp outside designated areas. Check the Wasatch-Cache National Forest site for current conditions and any trail closures before heading up, particularly in early season when snowpack can make the upper sections impassable.

Where to Stay Near Big Cottonwood Canyon

Brighton and Solitude resort lodges put you at the top of the canyon with a short walk to the trailhead. Sandy and Cottonwood Heights have chain options within 30 minutes of Brighton. Salt Lake City has the broadest inventory. For hotel points check Marriott Bonvoy, IHG Rewards, and Hilton Honors. Staying at Brighton eliminates the canyon drive on early morning starts and lets you beat the parking crunch.

Camping Nearby

Redman Campground in Big Cottonwood Canyon is the primary established option, reservable through recreation.gov and about 5 miles below Brighton. Brighton area camping options closer to the trailhead are limited due to watershed restrictions. Book Redman well in advance for summer weekends.

Nearby Adventures

Brighton is a hub for multiple Big Cottonwood Canyon objectives. The Lake Mary Trail continues to Lake Martha and Lake Catherine for a longer alpine lake loop that rewards hikers who push past the first lake. The Twin Lakes Reservoir Trail connects to additional terrain and views from the Brighton base. For a bigger summit day, Gobblers Knob and Mount Raymond are accessible via the Butler Fork Trailhead further down the canyon.

The Silver Lake Loop (0.9 mi / flat) is at the same Brighton base area and makes a natural companion to Lake Mary for families or anyone who wants a flat lake walk alongside the more committed climb. Donut Falls (1.5 mi / 300 ft) is about 5 miles down the canyon road and works as an easy add-on before or after the Brighton objectives.

One canyon south in Little Cottonwood, Cecret Lake at Albion Basin (2.0 mi / 400 ft) is the comparable easy alpine lake alternative with exceptional wildflower meadows. Red Pine Lake (7.5 mi / 2,109 ft) is the step-up alpine lake day hike for when you want more commitment.

Plan This Hike

AllTrails has the Lake Mary Trail with a downloadable map and recent user conditions. Checking recent reports is useful for understanding snow conditions in early season and whether the extended lake chain to Martha and Catherine is clear if you’re planning the full loop.

View on Alltrails

AllTrails Pro is worth it for the Brighton lake chain if you’re planning to go beyond Lake Mary. Download all three lake segments offline before you lose signal in the canyon.

Chase the Quiet

Lake Mary early on a summer morning before the Brighton lot fills. The water is still. The peaks reflect in the surface. The canyon is quiet except for the creek below the trail. It’s a short hike for what it delivers. Sometimes short is exactly right.

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