Hike Big Cottonwood Canyon's Silver Lake
1 Miles
Photography, Hiking
Beginner
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Loop
Distance: 1 mile loop around the lake. Possibility to make it a 4-mile roundtrip hike. Wetlands. Abundant wildlife. Spectacular views.
This quick hike to a beautiful lake in the Wasatch Mountains is perfect for the whole family. Park at the visitor center at the Silver Lake Recreation Area near Brighton Ski Resort, pick up a trail map and walk behind the building to find the trailhead. You can also pick up a wildflower guide at the visitor center - there are incredible blooms in the summer months.
The trailhead leads you to a one mile loop trail that wraps around Silver Lake. This trail is family friendly and wheelchair accessible. For those more adventurous hikers, there are several other trail junctions if you wish to extend your hike on to Twin Lakes, Lake Solitude, and the Brighton Lakes. These trails involve much more climbing and may not be quite so family friendly.
Getting there:
From Salt Lake City, take I-215 and exit at 6200 South. Follow the road signs to Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Brighton and Solitude ski resorts. Continue up Big Cottonwood Canyon for 14.2 miles to the Silver Lake Visitor’s Center.
Note: the trail is best used March through November.
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Nearby Lodging
Reviews
Overall rating:
Nice, easy walk
This is one of the best spots to catch the fall leaves in all their glory. Time it so that the aspens are in full swing and you won't be able to take pictures fast enough. Gorgeous!
Not Intermediate!!
Definitely not a hike, more like a walk. Still a cool view though 👍🏼
Great
Very easy. Was able to push my baby in her stroller.
