Silver Lake Utah

An Easy Boardwalk Loop
Above Brighton

Silver Lake Utah is a small alpine lake at the very top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Tucked behind Brighton Resort, it is ringed by pines and meadows and wrapped with a broad, wheelchair-friendly boardwalk.

It’s one of the Wasatch Range’s most accessible high-country strolls. Flat and scenic, it is perfect for families, grandparents, and anyone who wants fresh mountain air without a big climb.

Most summer visitors do the loop and linger for photos, wildflowers, and the occasional trout ripple on a calm morning. It is still a favorite for our family as an outing with our grandkids just as it was when our kids were young.

Whether it is spring, summer or fall, it’s a wonderfully scenic and beautiful setting. Winter is another story however.

Trail Basics

Plan on roughly a 0.9 - 1.0-mile loop with only 50 feet of elevation gain. Most of the route is on a sturdy boardwalk with benches and pull-outs.

There are short spurs to fishing spots and interpretive signs. Add side trips … like Lake Mary, Lake Solitude or Twin Lakes … if you want more miles and more views. The Silver Lake loop by itself is an easy victory lap for anyone.

When To Go And What To Expect

The boardwalk is typically open June through October depending on weather and snowpack. July and August bring the peak of wildflower color.

By September, the edges of the meadows glow with fall golds and reds. Mornings are usually calmer for reflections.

Afternoons can see mountain breezes and quick-building thunderstorms. Bring a light shell, water, and … in midsummer … bug spray if you’re someone who attracts insects.

Access, Parking & The Visitor Center

From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South/Canyons exit. Follow SR-190 up Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton (about 14–15 miles to the Silver Lake area).

Park in the large paved lots near Brighton’s base. The Silver Lake Visitor Center sits by the start of the loop. There is now a fee to access this boardwalk and the group of trails beyond that.

The 3-day pass costs $10 per vehicle. They do accept the America The Beautiful pass. Hours are seasonal and services at the boardwalk can be limited.

Plan for no potable water and expect that restrooms may not be available at the lakeshore outside visitor center hours. If you want to walk a little extra, parking at the Bright Resort lot is free.

Important Watershed Rules

Big Cottonwood is part of Salt Lake City’s protected watershed. That means no dogs (even in vehicles) and no swimming or wading in lakes and streams.

Stay on the boardwalk or signed trails. The meadows are fragile and stepping off-trail damages plants that take years to recover. These rules are posted and enforced.

Fishing Notes

Anglers do fish Silver Lake from designated spots along the loop. You’ll need a valid Utah fishing license. Check the current regulations before you cast.

Early morning and late light are best for surface activity. A patient kid with a bobber (is there such a thing?) can have a banner day here. Bring repellent in midsummer. Mosquitoes can be an irritant.

Winter - A Different Scene at
Silver Lake Utah

When the snow stacks up, the lakeside becomes part of the Solitude Nordic & Snowshoe Center network. It stretches between Brighton and Solitude.

In winter, walking on the groomed tracks isn’t allowed. You’ll need a paid Nordic or snowshoe pass to use the trails.

Parking rules shift to serve the Nordic Center. It’s a peaceful way to explore the meadows under a blanket of snow. Just know it’s a managed, fee-based operation in winter.

Add-On Hikes From The Loop

You can turn an easy stroll into a half-day outing. Use the signed junctions at the far end of the lake to climb to some of the other lakes above Silver Lake Utah.

They reward with classic granite, water, and high-country views. Just beyond the Silver Lake boardwalk, this cluster of classic alpine lakes fans out above Brighton.

Each one is reachable on well-signed trails. Mix and match them for anything from a quick family stroll to a half-day ramble.

Watch out for moose. We’ve encountered them up close along these trails. They look docile but can be very dangerous if you get too close. Or if they have young ones.

Dog Lake - A short detour off the main path leads to this shallow, marshy pond. It can run low or even dry late in the season but it’s an easy side trip if you’re already headed toward Lake Mary.

Lake Mary - The biggest crowd-pleaser of the bunch. It is most direct destination from Brighton. Granite slabs, open views, and a steady but manageable climb make it a favorite for families and first-timers. We’ve enjoyed hiking to this one and just sitting on the shore.

Lake Martha - Tucked just beyond Mary, this petite lake feels quieter and more intimate. It’s a natural add-on if you still have energy after reaching Mary.

Lake Catherine - The highest of the three on the main Brighton Lakes Trail. Push up to Catherine for broad views of the surrounding peaks. Sunset Peak looms above and makes a worthy extra climb for strong hikers.

Twin Lakes - A short, steeper spur peels off near the far side of Silver Lake and climbs to a small reservoir that can look like two separate lakes from higher vantage points. Expect great reflections on calm mornings.

Lake Solitude - Another rewarding branch from the Silver Lake area. This lake sits between Brighton and Solitude’s terrain. Gentler grades make it a nice choice if you want more scenery without as much climbing.

When To Go

• Mornings: Best for smooth reflections, cooler temps, and easier parking.
• Midday: Busier, brighter light, more activity on the boardwalk.
• Late afternoon: Pretty light through the trees. Keep an eye on thunderstorm build-up in July and August.
• Fall: Quieter off-season with crisp air and leaf color. Dress warmer than you think.

Photography Tips

Walk the loop clockwise and stop at the broad pull-outs on the west side for reflections of the tree line. A polarizing filter helps reduce glare off the water if you still use a camera.

Of course, modern smartphones will do this for you. Switch settings on your smartphone camera if you want mirror-like shots at dawn. Use a longer phone lens for birds.

This is a popular, easy birding stop all summer. If you’re still carrying a regular digital camera, I’ll assume you know what you’re doing.

Accessibility And Family Tips

Strollers, wheelchairs, and small legs do this “hike” just fine. Take your time. Read the interpretive signs.

Point out flowers and scan shallows for fish. Keep kids on the boardwalk railings near open water and teach “trail manners” at the pull-outs.

When it’s busy, this will allow everyone to enjoy the views. On hot valley days, this is a perfect quick escape to cooler air at 8,760 feet.

Driving Directions

I-215 → 6200 South/Canyons → SR-190 up Big Cottonwood → Brighton base area → park by the Silver Lake Visitor Center → pay your fee and start the loop right there.   

Quick Facts

• Distance/Gain: 0.9 - 1.0 mile loop. 55–60 foot gain.
• Elevation: 8,760 feet at the lake.
• Season: June – October depending on snow.
• Rules: No dogs. No swimming or wading. Stay on the boardwalk and trails.
• Winter: Nordic and snowshoe center terrain. Pass is required. No walking on groomed tracks.

Final Thoughts

If you’re building a Brighton day, start with the Silver Lake loop to set the tone. Then pick a side mission.

Maybe Lake Mary or Twin Lakes for a short, steeper punch. Lake Solitude for something friendlier.

Go early. Respect the watershed rules. Treat the meadows gently.

It’s an easy win in any Utah itinerary. Mountain air, water, and big views without a massive effort.