Utah's unparalleled geography is world-famous. Boasting five stunning national parks, and 43 state parks, our state is one of the best in the nation for outdoor enthusiasts and tourists alike.

If you want to catch a glimpse of Utah's famed scenery in a brief time frame, Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon are both excellent destinations. They offer a plethora of gorgeous hikes that can be trekked in a few hours; not to mention incredible wildflowers, and loads of wildlife. The following day hikes range from easy to moderate, and provide a great way to feel like you're escaping without driving more than a few minutes from the Salt Lake Valley.

1. Lake Blanche, Florence Lake, and Lillian Lake (6.1 miles round-trip)

This moderate hike finishes with three mountain lakes and a breathtaking view of Sundial Peak.

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 4.4 miles. You will see a parking area near the lower curve of the S-turn on the south side of the road that is labeled Mill B South Fork Picnic Ground. Park there. Next to the rest area adjacent to the parking lot, there is a stream and paved trail. Follow it roughly 0.5 miles, and the Lake Blanche trail will begin on the right-hand side. It is clearly marked.

2. Lake Catherine, Lake Mary, and Lake Martha (4-6 miles round-trip, or 5 miles from canyon to canyon)

These lakes can be accessed from Little Cottonwood Canyon through Albion Basin (above the Alta Ski Resort), or Big Cottonwood Canyon (above the Brighton Ski Resort). If you park a vehicle on each side, you can hike from Little Cottonwood Canyon to Big Cottonwood Canyon, or vice versa. Regardless of how you hike to Lake Catherine, you will have the option of hiking to Sunset Peak, which offers a scenic view of all three lakes.

From Albion Basin (4 miles round-trip)

Drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon until you reach the end of the paved road. Continue onto the dirt road and drive until you reach the first actual parking area. The trailhead is directly across the road from the parking lot (under a ski lift), and it's marked "Catherine Pass."

From Brighton (6 miles round-trip)

Drive to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon until you reach the one-way loop (there will be signs for Brighton Ski Resort). This loop will take you directly to the Brighton Ski Resort and a huge parking lot. It is located at the point where the loop bends to take you back in the direction from which you came. The Lake Mary trailhead begins here. There are several forks in the trail, but it is well marked. Follow the signs to Lake Mary. (The crowds typically don't go past this lake.) The trail is easy to follow, and continues on past Lake Martha, and eventually finds its way to Lake Catherine.

3. Red Pine Lake, Little Cottonwood Canyon (6.2 miles round-trip)

This picturesque hike begins roughly five miles up Little Cottonwood Canyon, just below Snowbird. Park in the parking lot displaying signage for the White Pine Trailhead. This is where you'll begin. (The Red Pine trailhead is about one mile up the White Pine trail.) The trail will fork once after this, at a bridge. Follow the trail straight up the mountain (not across the bridge).

Keep in mind that Little Cottonwood Canyon and Big Cottonwood Canyon are both protected watershed areas; which means dogs, swimming, and camping within 200 ft. aren't allowed in the aforementioned lakes. As with any hike, remember to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and plenty of water. It's also helpful to take a map of the area with you, as you likely will not have cell phone service.

Looking for a shorter, family-friendly hike that's equally as impressive? Check out the following lakes:

• Cecret Lake (Little Cottonwood Canyon)
• Silver Lake, Twin Lakes, and Lake Solitude (Big Cottonwood Canyon)
• Dog Lake (This lake can be accessed from Big Cottonwood Canyon or Little Cottonwood Canyon, but start in Millcreek Canyon if you want to take your dog with you)

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