Clayton Peak, Lackawaxen Lake, Bloods Lake loop

This was a fun Labor Day hike, even if it was a bit crowded at Bloods Lake.  This hike is a modification of the "Hike of the Week" published in the Salt Lake Tribune last Thursday. That hike did not go to the top of Clayton Peak and did not go to Lackawaxen Lake, but even with those changes the hike was just 4.3 miles. It has fantastic views in all directions, and beautiful scenery with some huge pines over 4 feet in diameter, plenty of Aspens, and many lakes can be seen. It is moderate in difficulty due the elevation gain (2700 feet), and for some boulder-hopping in some sections, but I saw hikers of all ages from about 5 years old to 75 years old!  To get to the trailhead, drive 13.6 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and turn left onto Guardsman's Pass.  Drive to the top of the pass and park in the dirt parking lot, being sure to set your parking brake, so your vehicle does not join those way down below! There is no guardrail.   The trail starts at a big white sign with faded letters, so it can no longer be read.  If you are facing the sign, you will be hiking up the steep trail to your right. (The trail behind the sign is the one you will be returning on).  The trail ascends a ridge and is easy to follow.  You read higher and higher peaks. About the 4th one, is called 10420 on topo maps, because that is the elevation. Not a very creative name, but a geocache description up there called it Venture Peak. The geocache is a fun one. Here is the link: http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC5ANY8_i-can-see-i-can-see-my-house-from-here-from-here?guid=901c3ba4-9bb6-4142-8902-d159e5aa15fd.
I happened to be the first to find this one!  When you reach 10420, continue down the trail that descends the other side from where you came up. At the saddle,( gps coordinates N 40* 35.815'       W 111* 33.562')  you will see a trail branch off to the left. If you don't feel like climbing to the top of Clayton Peak, you can take it.  But I continued straight, towards the summit of Clayton Peak. It is less than 1/2 mile from the saddle, and is a bit steep but fun.  There is a geocache at the top of Clayton Peak: http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC4RQV4_clayton-peak?guid=3c143d03-6900-4951-b66b-f00d8e0957ec.  It was difficult to find, but I finally found it.  Two men were at the summit with communications equipment. They told me they were getting ready for the Wasatch 100 next weekend. If you have never heard of it, look it up! It is a 100 mile trail run, and i believe the record is about 19 hours!  I could do it, but it would take me about 10 days!
   After you enjoy the view from Clayton Peak, hike back down to the saddle, and take the trail you passed up earlier.    Descend this trail for about 500 feet, and  it will intersect a trail.  If you go right, it will take you to Lackawaxen Lake which is about 1/3 of a mile away on an easy trail, except for a boulder field you will have to cross just before you arrive at the lake.  This is a hidden gem of a lake that is  beautiful and uncrowded.  I went to check on a geocache that I placed there 3 years ago, and only 4 people have visited it!:http://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC349PK_lackawaxen-lake-cache?guid=340f98db-b11c-421f-9829-9fb052b68696.
Now hike back the way you came, but instead of turning left toward the saddle, continue straight and the trail will take you to Blood's Lake. You will come to a place where the trail splits. Stay to the right to go the most direct route to Blood's Lake. The trail is easy, except for a steep part just before you reach the lake.   From Blood's Lake you are only 1/2 mile from your car. When you get to the lake, you will see the obvious trail to your right. It is fairly steep but easy to follow.

The rising sun reflecting off of Blood's Lake on the way up to Peak 10420 

Trekking Poles resting against a cairn atop
Peak 10420.

Some amazingly tasty raspberries her the top of Clayton Peak.

View of Lackawaxen Lake from Clayton Peak

Lackawaxen Lake in the distance

Lackawaxen Lake

Approaching Blood's Lake