Lake Catherine, Lake Mary, Lake Martha

Lake hikes are where it's at in the summer months, but, please don't take a swim in any of these lovely lakes--watershed, people. You drink this water. But cooler temperatures in these alpine mountains are just what your sweaty, oppressed bodies need to get out of Salt Lake Valley scorching heat. Come one, come all, and hike to 3 gorgeous lakes with the whole family. Wildflowers are best mid-July through mid-August.

Elevation gain? 1,173 feet over the course of the hike--mild for the Wasatch Front. There are steep places, but they aren't long. Which lake is fairest of them all? We're not telling because it's subjective, ya know? But you'll want to see all 3. Go all the way to Lake Catherine and you'll never ever regret it.

Trailhead

(40.597284, -111.584576)

The trailhead is at the back of the parking lot at Brighton Ski Resort. A kiosk provides trail information. From there you just follow the obvious trail SW into the forest.

Lake Mary

(40.589009, -111.589596)

Lake Mary is actually a reservoir used to store water for Salt Lake-area culinary systems. Its size will depend on the amount of water stored, and current demand. When low, the lake is ringed by a large exposed shoreline. But it is scenic, even at low levels.

Lake Martha

(40.585324, -111.59199)

Just a short ways above Mary, you'll pass Lake Martha in its alpine basin against a craggy ridge. Martha is the smallest of the lakes.

Lake Catherine

(40.580987, -111.59307)

Continue on to Lake Catherine and you will rewarded with views of its azure waters against the almost completely surrounded by mountain peaks. This view is well worth the effort.