Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

Local's recommendation: This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

Details

Difficulty: Easy

Highest point: 9675 ft

Lowest point: 8766 ft

Best time of year: May - October

Safety information: Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

Roadbook

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

• Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
• Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
• Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
• Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

How to Get There

Public transport: Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

Parking: Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.