Camp at Silver Lake

Silver Lake is a wonderful place to go if you're in need of a quick adventure in the woods.  Located in the the Uinta National Forest, Silver Lake is relatively easy to get to via American Fork Canyon in Utah, however I do recommend driving a car with 4WD and can handle steep dirt roads with sharp turns.  When you enter the canyon and pay the $6 fee, you'll drive straight for a while along Highway 92 until you come upon a fork in the road with Highway 144.  Turn left here toward Tibble Fork, another popular area for day time activities with family.  Go around Tibble Fork and turn left along the paved road toward Granite Flat Campground.  When you reach Granite Flat, you'll turn right onto the steep dirt road.  This road will lead you directly to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir which is where the trailhead is.  

The trailhead is clearly marked and if you go on a weekend you'll most likely see other hikers there with you.  At the beginning you'll be walking through lots of Quaking Aspen trees which create dense forest.  As the trail starts to go up in elevation the trees and plants become more dense because of the water in Silver Creek.  You'll cross over the creek near what looks like a beaver dam and then follow a series of steep switchbacks up the mountain to the lake.  Silver Lake comes into view with breathtaking sites all around.  Towering over the lake to the right is White Baldy.  We didn't explore too much around the lake but found a perfect spot for the tent pretty close to the lake.  Be on the lookout for moose, bald eagles and other wild life.  It was paradise.  

NOTES FOR THIS HIKE:  Be prepared for storms!  It was clear all day both days we were hiking but once the sun went down, the wind picked up furiously.  Our tent would've blown away had we not been inside it.  One guy up there in a hammock was swinging from side to side.  I've heard it gets stormy and cold almost every night so be prepared for that.