Our third Alpine Swim Club hike brought us to the dreamy shores of Bloods Lake—and while the water was cold enough to steal your breath, the vibes were absolutely on fire.
Nestled just outside of Guardsman Pass, Bloods Lake is a high-elevation gem that feels both wildly remote and perfectly accessible. It’s the kind of spot that makes you gasp—not just from the icy plunge, but from the beauty that surrounds you. And in June, with the trees bright green and snow still clinging to the highest peaks, the place felt like a fairytale.
We started the day like all great Alpine Swim Club hikes should: with carbs. Our lunch spread came courtesy of Einstein Bagels, because there’s no better trail motivation than the promise of a turkey and cheddar sandwich waiting for you post-swim.
The hike in was short but stunning. The trail to Bloods Lake is less than 1.5 miles one way, but it packs in shady forest, wildflowers, wooden boardwalks, and wide-open alpine meadows. We chatted the whole way up, stopping for photos and to admire the last little patches of snow melting into the earth.
And then—we saw it.
Bloods Lake was calm, glassy, and breathtakingly clear. Surrounded by pines and ridgelines, it begged us to jump in. And because this is Alpine Swim Club, we did. (Note: According to the city of Park City’s trails office, Bloods Lake is approved to swim in, however, it should be noted that this lake is the watershed for the nearby Girl Scout camp, so bathroom activities need to occur away from the lake.)
Some of us dipped toes, some went waist-deep, and a few brave souls made the full-body commitment with a polar plunge that instantly woke up every nerve. There was squealing, laughing, and that weird little adrenaline high that only happens when you throw yourself into cold mountain water with people who totally get it.
After drying off in the sun, we found a cozy spot to sit and devour our bagel lunches, chat about upcoming trips, and soak in the moment. It wasn’t just a hike or a swim, it was a reminder of how good it feels to do something a little bold, a little wild, and a lot of fun.
Bloods Lake Highlights:
- 🥯 Trailhead bagel lunches = peak energy strategy
- 🥶 Cold water, warm hearts—the Alpine Swim Club way
- 🌲 Short trail, big views and all the early summer vibes
- 👯♀️ A crew of awesome women showing up, stripping down, and diving in (literally and metaphorically)
This was our third Alpine Swim Club hike, and each one just keeps getting better. Bloods Lake gave us the perfect combo of cold water, scenic beauty, and shared joy—and it reminded us why we keep saying yes to these adventures.
We’re not just hiking. We’re not just swimming.
We’re building something real. One trail, one plunge, one bagel sandwich at a time. 💦
