with a couple steep spots but nothing crazy and a great payoff with the lake and Sundial peak in the background. All Trails rates the hike as hard, but I don't think it is. More like "moderate". A really great choice. Go on a weekday morning or get there early or parking can be a problem on a Saturday.

I like Red Pine lake in Little CC just a little bit better - it is a bit more strenuous than Lake Blanche with some more steep spots, but the lake is amazing once you get to the top. Another popular hike where parking can be an issue. I was up there a few weeks ago and they do have some "Trail Closed" signs up because the bridge on the trail is washed out - I think people were still doing the hike even with the signs but just a heads up.

Also like Horsetail Falls in Alpine but it is not as good as the above two hikes - fairly consistent uphill the entire way up (about 2.5 miles). Falls are really great early with runoff but still pretty cool now. Fairly shaded trail the whole way.