



About
To say that hiking is a popular Park City pastime would be the understatement of the year! But with so many trails, selecting the correct one is paramount. The Bloods Lake Trail should be a top consideration, as hiking apps rank it moderate and family-friendly.
This trail was renovated in 2019 to make it environmentally friendly and easier to navigate. Before that, the Blood Lake area was privately owned and slated for development. Thankfully for nature lovers, Park City purchased the land with the help of a private donor and works diligently to conserve the area's abundant natural beauty. Note: Due to weather as well as the closure of Guardsman Pass Road, the Bloods Lake Trail closes from November - April.
Bloods Lake Trail is 6.5 miles southeast of Park City, making combining a hike with other activities easy. You could hike in the morning and follow it up with a hearty meal at The Eating Establishment. Or visit Bloods Lake Trail after checking out the hikes at Jordanelle State Park.
The Bloods Lake Trail is a 2.8-mile out-and-back trek. Hiking apps rate the difficulty as "moderate," with an elevation change of 495 feet. Keep this in mind when hiking with children or less-able hikers. Trekkers report that it takes about an hour and 15 minutes to complete.
There are plenty of places to catch your breath and enjoy the natural beauty on the trail. Be sure to pack snacks and water and use these respites to refuel and rehydrate. These rests are also perfect photo opportunities, too!
The trailhead is on Guardsman Pass on Old State Route 152. The parking lot has 40 spots in front of the trailhead, but these fill quickly during peak season. As tempting as it may be to park on the side of the road, law enforcement is known to issue tickets to those vehicles.
When you need a hike that isn't long or taxing, visit Bloods Lake Trail.
Bloods Lake Trail: Fun Facts & Cool Features
One fascinating feature is the trail's name. While one might imagine the title refers to the water being a blood-red color, it is the name of a pioneering family. Early inhabitants called it "Fish Lake" for its abundant trout. Over time, it became associated with the Blood Family, who homesteaded nearby and played a vital role in the area's development.
A fun fact is that Bloods Lake Trail is at an elevation of 9,000 feet. This makes it an ideal hike in the summer, with Autumn attracting the most crowds to witness the vivid golds and reds of the foliage. During winter, snowy conditions appeal to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Since parking can be challenging, the Web Cams for the trailhead parking lots is a time-saving feature. This online service by the Mountain Trails Foundation allows real-time views to check weather conditions and parking availability.
The area is rich with wildlife, so, you may spot deer, elk, or a moose. In late spring, sandhill cranes stop for a rest on their way north for the summer. The meadows will be full of wildflowers like bluebells, rock clematis, longleaf phlox, and Utah's state flower, yarrow.
The swimmable, emerald-green Bloods Lake lies at the bottom of the trail and serves as its turnaround point. This high alpine lake is small and clean and comes complete with rock formations, peninsulas, and even an island. Best of all, there's a rope swing for those who want to enjoy a swim.
Bloods Lake Trail is a hiking-only trail, which means it's available for use only by those on foot, and camping is not allowed. Since its restoration in 2019, Bloods Lake has been designated as a watershed restoration area. It is a direct drinking water source for a local Girl Scout camp, so dogs are prohibited at the lake.
Visit Bloods Lake Trail during your Park City vacation for a family-friendly adventure with breathtaking views.
Local Tips
- Autumn is the busiest season. Arrive early to secure a parking spot.
- Leashed dogs are allowed on the trail but not at Bloods Lake; plan accordingly.
- Check the parking lot video feed for parking availability.
- Bring water and snacks for your trek.
- Pit-style bathrooms are available on the trail.