Backpack to Silver Lake
4.1 Miles
1500 Feet
Camping, Fishing, Photography, Backpacking, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Out-and-Back
The hike is quick enough that you can head to the lake and enjoy a quick day hike. If you choose to make it an overnight, there are primitive campsites at the lake to backpack to.
The trail is 4.1 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun.When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed by a breathtaking look at the hike once you reach it.
The trail is very empty on weeknights and may get crowded on the weekend. If you’re making this an overnight adventure and backpackpacking in, you can backcountry camp around the lake or camp at the reservoir and make the hike to Silver Lake a day hike.
On the hike, be sure to bring plenty of water as a large portion of it is exposed. The fee to enter American Fork Canyon is $6 for a three-day pass. A high clearance vehicle is suitable for the drive to Silver Flat Reservoir, however low clearance cars can make the journey with care. Fishing is allowed at the lake with a valid fishing license ($25/year in the state of Utah).
Silver Lake is reached by driving up American Fork Canyon, turning left towards Tibble Fork, and continuing up the dirt road to Silver Flat Reservoir. The Trailhead for Silver Lake is on the north side of the reservoir through aspens following the river up the canyon.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Good Alternative To White Pine In Little Cottonwood Canyon
If you have a National Parks Pass entrance is free. The road above Tibble Fork Reservoir turns to gravel, but is fine for any normal car. It can take awhile to get up there on weekends as the lower portion of American Fork Canyon can be busy. It took us almost 1.5 hours fromSLC. Mid-week, it takes around an hour.
Awesome hike, but a lot of people
This hike was great, it gave me a solid workout. We went on a late Saturday morning, and it was so CROWDED! So many people hiking the trail and not too many hanging out on the lake until we returned from the hike in the afternoon. We hiked all the way around the lake, and I would definitely recommend bug repellent of some sort. It's also pretty hot still, but it is mid-July. We ended up hiking around the lake which proved to be a bit of a challenge in some places. We settled on some boulders on the north side. The views were gorgeous and we got a great workout on the trail. If you need to use the facilities, bring your own TP for the restrooms at Silver Lake where the trailhead begins.
Solid Trip
Solid little trip with some beautiful scenery. Definitely would recommend hiking up in the evening to catch the sunset!
