Hiking Catherine, Lake Mary, and Lake Martha, Utah

Lake Catherine is the last lake in a series of three beautiful lakes that make up an incredibly beautiful beginner friendly hike. Hikers pass Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine on this hike, and here’s everything you need to know for this adventure.

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Trail Map | Trails | Hiking In Winter | Camping | Weather | Directions | Pictures

 

Difficulty – Easy
Distance – 4.1 miles round trip (6.60 km)
Height – 9,946 feet (3031.54 m)
Elevation gain – 1,230 feet (374.9 m)
Duration – 4.5-6 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Brighton Ski Resort (8,785 Feet)
Dogs – Not allowed on this trail

 

Need To Know Information

• Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
• Swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes in this area.
• This is a popular hike, and you will encounter people. There is plenty of free parking at the Brighton resort.
• Fishing is allowed at the lakes with a Utah Fishing License.

Trail Map

Download GPX File For This HIke

 

Routes

Lake Catherine Via Brighton Ski Resort – 4.1 miles round trip (6.60 km) – 1,936 feet (590.09 m) Elevation Gain

Hikers begin at the Brighton Resort parking lot and find the large trail map sign that shows the direction towards Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine. This is a very popular spot, so you’ll likely find other hikers, but there is plenty of parking at the resort.

The trail starts relatively steep up some ski runs, but is very easy to follow, well maintained, and considered family friendly. Simply follow the trail and signs to Lake Mary (1.04 miles to Lake Mary) which already features stunning views, and then continue on the trail along the lake as it ascends quickly to Lake Martha (1.4 miles to Lake Martha). There are some side spur trails that can take hikers down to the shoreline of Lake Martha, but the main trail continues at similar gradients along taking hikers towards Lake Catherine.

Lake Catherine has a full trail all the way around the lake as well.

 

Sunset Peak Via Brighton Ski Resort – 5.62 miles round trip (9.04 km) – 1,230 feet (374.9 m) Elevation Gain

Many hikers if they feel solid will consider hiking up to the peaks that look over Lake Catherine. Sunset Peak looms over lake Catherine, and has incredible views. You can read about this hike on our guide to Sunset Peak.

Once hikers reach lake Catherine, they continue following the route up towards the saddle between Sunset Peak and Mount Tuscarora, which is known as Catherine Pass.

Once reaching the pass, there are two trails, one that goes up the north side of Sunset peak, and one that loops around the back. The trail that loops around the back is slightly longer, but has great views, and is better maintained. We recommend this trail. It has several viewpoints along the way.

Simply follow the ridge to Sunset Peak, and retrace your steps when ready to return.

 

Hiking in Winter

This area is not often hiked in winter as it is part of the ski resort, and therefore it is being skied while the resorts are open.

 

Camping Information

People don’t generally camp for this hike, but there are accomodations at Brighton resort, as well as nearby campgrounds. The closest campground to the trailhead is the Redman Campground. Information and reservations can be found here.

There are also, campgrounds within Albion Basin that can be reserved when they are open. This campground contains 24 camping sites, each with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are also on the premise. Information and availability can be found here.

 

Fishing Lake Mary, Lake Martha and Lake Catherine

All three lakes have healthy fish populations. This is a catch and release fishery, but many anglers can have success on most days on any of the lakes.

 

Weather

Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:

Alta, UT

Tonight
Scattered snow showers before 3am. Mostly cloudy. Low around 12, with temperatures rising to around 14 overnight. Wind chill values as low as -2. West wind around 16 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 2 inches possible.

Tuesday
A chance of snow after noon. Mostly cloudy. High near 25, with temperatures falling to around 23 in the afternoon. Wind chill values as low as -1. South southwest wind 10 to 17 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tuesday Night
Snow and patchy blowing snow. Cloudy. Low around 19, with temperatures rising to around 24 overnight. Wind chill values as low as 9. South wind 18 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 9 to 13 inches possible.

Wednesday
Snow and patchy blowing snow before noon, then snow showers and patchy blowing snow and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 22. Wind chill values as low as 2. Southwest wind 16 to 29 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Wednesday Night
Snow. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 19. Southwest wind 15 to 22 mph, with gusts as high as 33 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Thursday
Snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 23. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Thursday Night
A chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 16. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

 

Directions

To Brighton Resort Trailhead:

 

 

Additional Pictures