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Lake Mary Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 282 Google reviews · Running trail in Brighton, Utah · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Lake Mary Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Hiking area offering trails with lake views and wildflowers at varying elevations.
What runners say about Lake Mary Trail
“This spot is absolutely gorgeous during wildflower season — the colors and views are just breathtaking.”
“The trail itself is well-marked and follows the chair lift for a tiny bit then veers off into the woods.”
“The atmosphere is peaceful, quiet, and incredibly romantic, with reflections on the water that look straight out of a postcard.”
This may seem as if it's a "tough" hike since the start is rather an uphill slough. But ahead of you you'll likely see oodles of kids and families since this trail is not only easy to get to but is rather family oriented.
My wife mentioned she wanted to go hike this trail. So, we drove up yesterday with our daughter. It has been few years since we have been up Big Cottonwood Canyon. I had forgotten how beautiful it is up there. The trail is well marked and there were others making the hike.
We took the trailhead for Lake Mary and followed it up past Martha and on to Catherine. Lots of folks on the trail, thinned out a little after we got past lake Martha. Super pretty! A little snowy in spots right now, but not bad and definitely worth it. I would also say just the hike to lake Mary is a good family hike.
Short hike but great view! Started at 7am and got to lake Mary and lake Martha by 7:45am. I would rate this hike as very easy. Just have to pass the first uphill hurdle and than it's an easy straight forward hike. Fyi... More people started to reach the lake around 10am and started getting crowded.
Trail conditions & character
“A quick uphill spurt suddenly gets you to Lake Catherine where you can sit by the lake or clamor up just a bit further to have a view from the rocks above.”
“The most difficult part is the elevation but it was nice to hear I wasn't the only one huffing and puffing on the trail trying to catch our breath.”
“The atmosphere is peaceful, quiet, and incredibly romantic, with reflections on the water that look straight out of a postcard.”
“The trail itself is well-marked and follows the chair lift for a tiny bit then veers off into the woods.”
Plan your run at Lake Mary Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
Running trails near Brighton
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Cecret Lake Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 433 reviews
Wildflower-filled alpine lake reached via leisurely trails that wind through trees and boulders.
Wasatch Crest Trail
4.9 ★★★★★ 35 reviews
Downhill-heavy MTB trail accessed by shuttle where bikers have to yield to hikers.
Willow Heights
4.7 ★★★★★ 230 reviews
Trail leading to a lake (and a meadow) where hikers can spot moose.
Bloods Lake Trailhead
4.7 ★★★★★ 354 reviews
Hiking area with alpine lakes and mountain views, a kid-friendly trail, and a pit toilet.
