Silver Lake
Table of contents
A stunning alpine lake that few people walk to due to the 4.8 km 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.
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 for Silver Lake
- Since this lake is not part of the Salt Lake watershed, you are allowed - and in our opinion, encouraged - to swim in Silver Lake.
Getting to the Silver Lake Trailhead
Head south from Salt Lake City along the I-15 for 37.0 km, then take the turnoff for Timpanogos Caves (exit 284) and continue along this road into American Fork Canyon. Drive along this road for 33.2 km, 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 4.8 km until it ends at the north end of Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, where you’ll find the trailhead.
Route Information
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 Forecast
Check Area WeatherReviews
WE ARE HERE TO HELP
Let someone else do the hard work, book a custom tour in over 85 countries.
Chat with us on our contact page or fill out the form below!
Nearby Trails
Willow Hollow, Ridge, and Pine Hollow Trail
Salt Lake City
Brighton Peaks Loop
Salt Lake City
Albion Meadows, Sugarloaf Pass, and Collins Road Loop
Salt Lake City
Toledo Bowl via Cardiff Pass Trail
Salt Lake City
Albion Meadows Trail
Salt Lake City
Red Pine Lake Trail
Salt Lake City
Snowbird Tram, Cecret Lake via Albion Basin
Salt Lake City
White Pine Lake Trail
Salt Lake City
Cecret Lake Trail
Salt Lake City
Red Pine Lake & Pfeifferhorn Ridge
Salt Lake City
Box Elder Peak
Salt Lake City
Cecret Lake Trail
Salt Lake City