The Trek in a snapshot
Location
Guardsman Pass, Park City, Utah
Managing Agency
The city of Park City
Pets
This trail may not be best for dogs. According to some official Park City documents, dogs are NOT allowed within 100 yards of Bloods Lake since it’s used as a watershed.
Fees
None
Restrooms
Yes. At Trailhead. Pit Style.
Camping
Camping is not allowed in the greater Bloods Lake area. This entire area is a conservation area and the city is doing multiple studies. They do not allow camping.
Trail Condition
Good dirt trail the entire way. Several switchbacks help you gain elevation
Sights
Lots of aspen and pine trees, Bloods Lake. There are rope swings at the lake but use at your own risk
Water Info
Bring at least one liter of water per person
Best Season
Spring, summer, fall. Fall is great with all the changing aspen leaves. Guardsman Pass is closed in winter (DOT does not plow the road)
Distance
2.8 miles roundtrip
Time Required
2-3 hours
Parking Elevation
9257 ft
Summit Elevation
9542 ft
Elevation Difference
285 ft
Trek Planner Maps
Trailhead: 40.6097, -111.53671
Bloods lake: 40.60173, -111.55089
Experience. Discover. Explore.
Follow along on our adventure then go out on your own!
Route through Big Cottonwood Canyon
You can drive through Big Cottonwood Canyon to get to Bloods Lake but dogs aren’t allowed in the canyon (even though they are allowed on the other side of Big Cottonwood Canyon at Guardsman Pass and Bloods Lake).
Route from Park City
Bloods Lake is located in the boundaries of Park City.
The Bloods Lake Trail is a beautiful route through tall aspen and pine trees in Guardsman Pass. This trail wouldn’t be possible except for a $50,000 donation from the Pilko family – thank you!! Their donation helped renovate the trail and make it much better than what it was before. You can read more about this trail renovation here.
This trail is popular and after hiking it I can see why! The trail is not only popular for families, but for dog owners. It’s important to know that dogs are not allowed within 100 yards of Bloods Lake. You can bring your dog on the trail, but this entire area is a water conservation area and city officials do not want dogs near the lake. So it’s kind of a predicament…You can bring your dog on this trail, just not near the lake…Might want to find another trail to bring Fido on.
You will begin the trail right inside the forest. The trail winds around aspen and pine trees for about 0.80 miles. The elevation won’t gain much during this time either. I hiked in early fall and the aspen trees were already changing into golden colors!
The rest of the hike will be slightly steeper but never that bad. In this part of the hike, you will leave the aspen forest and hike among pines. The smell of the pine trees is strong and makes you forget about the busy city life for a few moments.
There are a few large switchbacks to gain the rest of the elevation until you arrive at Bloods Lake. The lake isn’t that big at only 4.2 acres, but it’s surrounded by tall trees in a beautiful small valley.
The rope swing is on the western side.
Side Trek to Lackawaxen Lake
If you want to extend your visit, you can hike 1.12 miles more to Lackawaxen Lake. This lake is very peaceful and most people don’t hike to it so you may have it all to yourself!
For the full trek guide to Lackawaxen Lake click here.
Personal Thoughts
Bloods Lake hike is a great hike for the spring, summer, or fall! Bring your family and friends, and experience this awesome trail! I enjoyed it a lot more with the yellow aspen leaves of autumn.
Your post is it of date and incorrect in several ways, You should consider using it to reflect the actual rules of the trail and area.
Dogs are allowed on the trail but not at or in the lake. Camping is not allowed in the area of the lake or nearby. Parking is not permitted in the road, only at the designated parking area.
Thanks for the info. Got it updated. Did a little more digging and found out that dogs aren’t allowed within 100 yards of the lake!