Brighton Resort
Photo: Andrew Burr
Trail Guide
Distance: 0.9 mile around
Elevation gain: 55 feet
Difficulty: Easy
Trail type: Loop
Trail uses: Birding, fishing, walking
Dogs: Not allowed
Fees: Yes
Seasonality: Open year-round, but is used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.
Best season to hike: June-October
Bathrooms: Available at the Silver Lake Visitor Center
Parking: Available at the Silver Lake Visitor Center
Pro Tip: Since this is a watershed area, there are mosquitoes in the summer. Be sure to use bug spray and wear protective gear when you walk the loop.
Trail Highlights
Abundant wildlife and seasonal beauty make Silver Lake a truly special place. Bonneville Cutthroat Trout are native to the area, along with other trout varieties, making it an ideal fishing spot. It’s also common to see ducks, squirrels and even moose along the trail during summer. Along the trail, you can enjoy views of mountain ridges, exquisite wildflowers in spring and summer and colorful leaves during autumn.
After your hike, fuel up at nearby dining options. Visit the beloved Silver Fork Lodge, a restaurant and inn situated partway up Big Cottonwood Canyon with diverse menu options and interesting appetizers, or head to Porcupine Pub & Grille at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, a hot spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families. Brighton Resort also offers dining options that make it easy to extend your mountain adventure with great food and great views.
Find It
Silver Lake Loop Trail is located at 8073 S. Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd in Brighton. To get there from Salt Lake City, take I-215 to the 6200 South off-ramp (Exit 6), and follow the signs to Brighton and Solitude ski resorts. Continue on Big Cottonwood Canyon Road (7000 South Wasatch Blvd.) for approximately 14.2 miles. The Silver Lake Visitor Center is on the left side of the road.
