Hike Big Cottonwood Canyon's Silver Lake
Details
Distance
1 miles
Route Type
Loop
Added by Lindsay Daniels
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.
Know for
Nearby
🌎
Local adventures
Find hikes, backpacking, photo spots, and more around Brighton.
🏕
Nearby lodging
Search campgrounds, glamping, and hotels near Brighton.
Reviews
Leave a Review
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!
4.0
Not Intermediate!!
Definitely not a hike, more like a walk. Still a cool view though 👍🏼
1.0
Great
Very easy. Was able to push my baby in her stroller.
4.0
Super Family Friendly
There couldn't be a more awesome place to go for a short mountain walk with the family. Its super easy and even more beautiful.
5.0
Beautiful All Year Round
A fun place to snowshoe and Nordic ski in the winter, great family hiking spot in the summer, and a phenomenal place to see the fall colors!!
5.0
Leave No Trace
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!
We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on.
