Silver Lake Hike in Big Cottonwood

One of our most recommended hikes is Silver Lake Hike at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. We love how simple this trail is and that anyone can enjoy this area of Utah. Half of the hike is on a boardwalk. The first time we did this hike we only had a one year old, so we pushed him in the stroller all the way around, even on the dirt trails. We hike this trail every year.

There is now a Recreation Fee required to hike at Silver Lake now. You can purchase the pass at the Visitor Center (open 10-5 every day from June through October) or by using a QR code. A National Parks Pass will cover the fee if you have an annual pass of some kind. The day use pass is $10 and it is a 3 day pass, so you can use it to enjoy Gloria Falls, or other areas in the Cottonwoods that are requiring a fee.

Silver Lake Loop

We usually see lots of wildlife when we walk around Silver Lake. Most commonly we see ducks, fish, and squirrels. We often see moose on this trail, too. This trail can get busy on the weekends, which can make parking difficult. But even with lots of people, we can still enjoy the beauty of this area. It is in a beautiful location right at the top of the mountains and next to an alpine lake. There are other hikes that branch off from this hike and lead you to other lakes. They are a little more strenuous, but we enjoyed hiking to Lake Solitude, too. The total loop around Silver Lake is only 1.0 mile roundtrip.

The boardwalk is easy to follow around the lake.

The moose spend quite bit of time right by this boardwalk.

We love how pretty the whole area is in Big Cottonwood.

There are a few different places where you can walk out on platforms in the lake. People are often fishing here, too.

There are information signs along the trail as you hike. You can learn about the trees, flowers, mountains, and other natural things. Most of the trail is on a boardwalk. When you get toward the far side of the lake, the trail becomes dirt and there is a slight incline at the very back. We were able to push our stroller, but you can also just walk along the boardwalk on the front side of the lake.

Now that our boys are older they love learning from the signs.

The boardwalk only goes about halfway around the lake, so we went offloading with our stroller.

This trail is perfect for young kids, grandmas, wheels, anyone!!

The trail is dirt on the back half of the trail, and slightly uphill for a few minutes, but still very easy.

Silver Lake in the Fall

If you haven’t visited Silver Lake in the Fall, then you definitely need to add it to your bucket list. This place is beautiful. The yellows really pop net to the dark evergreen trees. And you can enjoy the gorgeous drive up Big Cottonwood or from Guardsman Pass on your way to the lake. The leaves are usually peak the last week of September and first week of October.

The aspens turn bright yellow and are so gorgeous!

One area you walk right through the trees.

We loved the reflections of the colors in the water.

Silver Lake Visitor Center

Silver Lake hike begins behind the Silver Lake Visitor Center/Nordic Center. In the summer this building is open and you can go inside and learn more about the area. There are some interesting displays, as well as a small touch table that our boys love. The workers here are so friendly and they teach our boys different facts when we stop by. Make sure to spend a few moments here if it’s open.

There is a small parking area in front of this building.

The displays are about the animals and plants of Big Cottonwood Canyon.

We thought this tree ring was so interesting because it labeled different rings with events we would recognize.

Our boys love to pretend they are a deer.

The center is small, but fun to check out.

Directions

To find this hike, drive about 15 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. When you get to Brighton ski resort, the road takes you right on a one-way road. Follow it to the right and park in the first parking area on the right by the Visitor Center. The hike leaves from there. You can also park in the large lot across the street to the left, or even further along at the ski lots, and then head toward the Silver Lake Visitor Center to begin the trail.