Silver Lake hike
View PhotosSilver Lake hike
Difficulty Rating:
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.
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.
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
Weather
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.
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BoulderBound 4 years ago
Great hike. There are lots of good spots for picnic
benhilton 4 years ago
It's a magnificent place for picnics and family bonding! Such a serene place!
Gabriel10 4 years ago
It was a bright and clear day, and the sky was very blue.In short it was perferct!
Willy G. 4 years ago
It was a great adventure we all enjoyed. The trail was relatively easy, but not advisable for everyone.
Washington H. 4 years ago
Fairly easy trail, but there is a gradual increase in elevation as you get closer to the summit.
Jane L. 4 years ago
Spectacular hike. Great views. I would rate it as a moderately easy hike.
brandonlong 5 years ago
The grey cliffs were impressive. The weather was perfect too.
test27927@gmail.com 5 years ago
Beautiful nature!
Freddo 6 years ago
Silver lake is a spectacular hike. I really recommend it.
Naomi W 6 years ago
Beautiful hike. I loved the lake. So many beautiful spots for foto!