Silver Lake hike in Salt Lake City
Silver Lake hike in Salt Lake City

Silver Lake hike

Salt Lake City
View Photos
Lush forest along the trail on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CityCreek crossing on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CityWhite Baldy view on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CityTrail around the lake on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CitySilver Lake hike near Salt Lake City has a great panoramic viewBeautiful green water on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CityStunning panorama on Silver Lake hike near Salt Lake CitySilver Lake hike near Salt Lake City has beautiful views to the northSilver Lake hike near Salt Lake City is a great trail that leads to the lake surrounded by peaks

Silver Lake hike

Distance: 5.5mi
Elevation: 1,407ft
Time: 2.5-4h

Difficulty Rating:

User Ratings:
10 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty

A stunning alpine lake that few people walk to due to the 3.0mi dirt road access. This crisp beautiful lake hike rewards you with views of the grey cliffs of White Baldy. It’s a stunning scene, perfect for a picnic or a swim.

Silver Lake Hike Map

Getting there

Head south from Salt Lake City along the I-15 for 23.0mi, then take the turnoff for Timpanogos Caves (exit 284) and continue along this road into American Fork Canyon. Drive along this road for 20.6mi, turning left onto UT-144 at the major junction halfway up the canyon. Drive up this road and follow signs for Granite Flats Campground. Just before the campground, turn right and follow the signs toward Silver Lake. Now the road is dirt but easily passable by sedans. Follow this dirt road for 3.0mi until it ends at the north end of Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, where you’ll find the trailhead.

I’ve done this 43 people have done this
I want to do this 77 want to do this route

About

When to do

Spring through fall

Backcountry Campsites

At the lake

Toilets

At trailhead

Family friendly

No

Route Signage

Average

Crowd Levels

Moderate

Route Type

Out and back


Silver Lake
Elevation Graph


Route Description for Silver Lake

The trailhead begins opposite the reservoir and follows Silver Creek for the first little while. There are no trail junctions so it’s pretty much impossible to get lost!

As you continue along the trail, the grade will begin to increase. You will start to hike into the canyon formed by Silver Creek, eventually popping out above most of the trees. From here, you will have glimpses of Mt. Timpanogos if you look back.

After crossing over the stream, the trail will start to switchback. Compared to most other trails in the area, this is actually quite well graded and there are very few very steep sections. Hiking up the right side of the canyon, you will continue climbing until you finally reach the rocky cliffs lining the south side of the lake. There is usually a small waterfall here.

The trail will pop you out on the east side of Silver Lake, but there are dozens of small trails making their way around the lake. We recommend making your way around one side of the lake to find some solitude from the small crowds that linger on the south side. You can also bushwhack around the entire lake.

Looking up, you will see White Baldy and its subsidiary peaks. The awesome grey cliffs lining the north side of the lake are truly stunning and provide an incredible ambiance for a picnic or a swim. After enjoying the alpine atmosphere, find the trail on the southeast side of the lake and return the way you came.

Insider Hints

  • Since this lake is not part of the Salt Lake watershed, you are allowed - and in our opinion, encouraged - to swim in Silver Lake.

Comments

BoulderBound 4 years ago

Great hike. There are lots of good spots for picnic

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
benhilton 4 years ago

It's a magnificent place for picnics and family bonding! Such a serene place!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Gabriel10 4 years ago

It was a bright and clear day, and the sky was very blue.In short it was perferct!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Willy G. 4 years ago

It was a great adventure we all enjoyed. The trail was relatively easy, but not advisable for everyone.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Washington H. 4 years ago

Fairly easy trail, but there is a gradual increase in elevation as you get closer to the summit.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Jane L. 4 years ago

Spectacular hike. Great views. I would rate it as a moderately easy hike.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
brandonlong 5 years ago

The grey cliffs were impressive. The weather was perfect too.

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
test27927@gmail.com 5 years ago

Beautiful nature!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
Freddo 6 years ago

Silver lake is a spectacular hike. I really recommend it.

10.0 Overall Rating
Physical Difficulty
4h 00m Time Taken
Naomi W 6 years ago

Beautiful hike. I loved the lake. So many beautiful spots for foto!

10.0 Overall Rating
Technical Difficulty
Physical Difficulty
3h 45m Time Taken
11 Comments Show all

Similar hikes to the Silver Lake hike

Willow Hollow, Ridge, and Pine Hollow Trail

Willow Hollow, Ridge, and Pine Hollow Trail

Difficulty:
3.6mi
640ft
1.5-2h

The Willow Hollow and Pine Hollow Trail is a beautiful route in the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This trail is an…

Solitude to Beaver Pond Trail

Solitude to Beaver Pond Trail

Difficulty:
4.3mi
1086ft
2-3h

The Solitude to Beaver Ponds Trail is a beautiful hike through the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. This trail is lush and…

City Creek Canyon Road

City Creek Canyon Road

Difficulty:
11.2mi
1385ft
4.5-6h

The City Creek Canyon Road is a popular trail just north of downtown Salt Lake City, Utah. This path is…