Bloods Lake Trail An Amazing Utah Forest Hike

Bloods Lake Trail isn’t as scary as the name sounds. It’s actually a wonderful 2.7-mile trail that you can find near Park City, Utah, and gives you access to the beautiful Bloods Lake. Along the trail, you will encounter tunnels of trees, mostly birch trees, which are absolutely stunning in the fall when they turn brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange.

Far up Big Cotton Wood Canyon, located outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Bloods Lake Trail is a crowd favorite.

Ingrid S./AllTrails

During the hike, you will walk among towering trees.

Natalie Horton/AllTrails

The hike is mostly an easy one. However, the last portion gets a bit steep and rocky so be sure to bring your hiking shoes.

Kelsey Brady/AllTrails

The real reward comes once you reach the lake. Bloods Lake is clean and perfect for a quick swim to cool off during your hike. There is even a rope swing in the southeast corner!

Wendi Robinson/AllTrails

Guardsman Pass is typically closed during the winter, so the trail is inaccessible then, but the winter views are also incredible.

Tanner May/AllTrails

Spring and fall are our favorite seasons for this hike due to the many colors you can see in the fall, and the plentiful wildflowers in the spring.

Alex Stark/AllTrails

This is a wonderful hike where you can get out into nature and breath some fresh Utah air. The trees lining Bloods Lake Trail are truly magical and are a sight to behold when they start to change colors. Even more incredible is seeing the colorful trees reflecting off of the glassy lake right before you jump in for a swim. This hike is one of our favorites, and we know you will enjoy it too. Be sure to let us know what your favorite part of the hike was and what season you did it in.