Big Cottonwood Canyon and Silver Lake Salt Lake City
A picturesque alpine lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, offering easy boardwalk trails, abundant wildlife, and stunning fall colors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Big Cottonwood Canyon and Silver Lake Salt Lake City
Best Time
Best for wildlife sightings
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque alpine lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon, offering easy boardwalk trails, abundant wildlife, and stunning fall colors.
"Silver Lake is a must-see in Utah, offering stunning scenery and a chance to spot wildlife!"
🎯 Park Smart, Arrive Early
Parking fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon. $10 fee or use National Park Pass.
🦌 Wildlife Watch
Moose are often spotted! Visit early/late for best chances. Be respectful and keep your distance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Silver Lake Boardwalk
Silver Lake
An easy, scenic 1-mile loop with a boardwalk, perfect for all ages and offering stunning mountain and lake views.
Wildlife Spotting
Around Silver Lake
Keep an eye out for moose, beavers, ducks, squirrels, and various birds in their natural habitat.
Fall Foliage
Big Cottonwood Canyon
Experience breathtaking autumn colors with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds blanketing the canyon.
Brighton Lakes Hike
Trailhead at Brighton Ski Resort
A moderate hike leading to multiple alpine lakes, including Lake Mary and Lake Catherine, with options for loops.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Wildlife & Views
Parking & Access Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Park Smart, Arrive Early
Parking fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon. $10 fee or use National Park Pass. +1
🦌 Wildlife Watch
Moose are often spotted! Visit early/late for best chances. Be respectful and keep your distance. +1
👟 Easy Trails for All
The Silver Lake boardwalk is flat, accessible, and perfect for families and casual strolls.
🍂 Fall Colors Galore
Autumn brings spectacular foliage. Plan your visit for peak colors in September/October. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Park Smart, Arrive Early
Parking fills fast! Aim for early morning or late afternoon. $10 fee or use National Park Pass. +1
🦌 Wildlife Watch
Moose are often spotted! Visit early/late for best chances. Be respectful and keep your distance. +1
👟 Easy Trails for All
The Silver Lake boardwalk is flat, accessible, and perfect for families and casual strolls.
🍂 Fall Colors Galore
Autumn brings spectacular foliage. Plan your visit for peak colors in September/October. +1
🦟 Bug Spray is Key
Don't forget bug spray, especially in warmer months, as some bugs can be persistent.
🚫 No Dogs Allowed
Remember that dogs are not permitted in Big Cottonwood Canyon, so leave your furry friends at home.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning scenery and accessibility of Silver Lake, with the boardwalk trail being a highlight for its ease and beauty. Many appreciate the chance to see wildlife and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. Some note that parking can be busy and that spotting specific animals like moose isn't guaranteed.
"We loved our visit to Silver Lake! The hike itself is super easy since it’s on a well-maintained boardwalk, making it perfect for a relaxing stroll while soaking in the scenery.
The color contrast when we visited was absolutely stunning—the lake, trees, and mountains all came together like a painting. We didn’t spot any moose this time, but others along the trail mentioned seeing them occasionally, so it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out.
One person told us about a beaver lodge somewhere along the trail, but we couldn’t find it. That just gives us a reason to come back and explore again!
Highly recommend this trail for a quick, peaceful nature escape."
Anup Sheshadri
"Awesome fall colors with very nice weather. Enjoy with friends and family. This covers the entire hike of the silver lake. This is easy 0.9 mile hike to cover with kids"
Ashish Jain
"The staff was super informative and friendly. The trails are well maintained. I was hoping to see a moose swimming in the lake, but I was informed it was too early in the summer for that. My kid was amazed that there was still snow on the ground, and couldn't resist making a couple of snowmen. I love this area!"
Erica Cornelison
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Silver Lake is located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, about a 30-40 minute drive from Salt Lake City. Take I-80 E to US-190 E, then follow UT-210 S into the canyon. The drive itself is scenic.
During ski season, UTA offers bus service to the canyon. Outside of ski season, public transit options are limited, making a car the most convenient way to reach Silver Lake.
The drive is incredibly scenic, with paved roads winding through the mountains. It's a beautiful journey, especially during fall.
Yes, there are two lakes named Silver Lake. Ensure you are heading to the one by Brighton Ski Resort in Big Cottonwood Canyon, not the one in Little Cottonwood Canyon. +1
Yes, Big Cottonwood Canyon is accessible year-round. However, road conditions can vary in winter due to snow, and access to certain areas might be limited.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no fee to enter Big Cottonwood Canyon itself. However, parking at Silver Lake typically costs around $10. Some visitors have mentioned using National Park Passes. +1
No, tickets are not required for Silver Lake. It's a public access area. Parking is first-come, first-served, so arriving early is recommended.
Silver Lake is an outdoor natural area and is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no set operating hours for the lake itself.
Some visitors have reported using their National Park Passes for parking at Silver Lake, though this is not officially confirmed for all passes. It's worth checking if your pass covers this area.
Dogs are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Other than that, it's a public space for enjoying nature.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Silver Lake trail is a mostly flat, 1-mile loop that is largely on a well-maintained boardwalk. It's considered very easy and accessible for all ages and abilities.
You have a good chance of spotting moose, beavers, ducks, squirrels, and various birds. Keep an eye out, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. 
Absolutely! The easy boardwalk trail is perfect for strollers and young children. It's a safe and engaging environment for kids to experience nature.
Yes, fishing is permitted at Silver Lake. Make sure you have the necessary Utah fishing licenses and follow all regulations.
From the Silver Lake boardwalk, you can access trails leading to Lake Solitude (a short hike) or continue on to the Brighton Lakes loop, which includes Lake Mary and Lake Catherine.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with soft, warm tones. Fall colors provide a vibrant backdrop. +1
The boardwalk itself offers great perspectives of the lake and surrounding mountains. Reflections in the water are also stunning. Look for wildlife for unique shots.
There are no specific photography restrictions mentioned for Silver Lake. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain and lake scenery. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
Drone usage in national forests and protected areas can be restricted. It's best to check with the U.S. Forest Service for current regulations regarding drone operation in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack snacks and drinks for a picnic by the lake. The accessible trail ensures everyone can enjoy the beautiful scenery without strenuous effort. Consider bringing binoculars for better wildlife viewing. Remember that dogs are not allowed in the canyon.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
For those looking for a bit more of a challenge, the trails leading to Lake Solitude or the Brighton Lakes offer opportunities for a more invigorating solo hike. +1The scenic drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon is also a pleasure for solo adventurers. You can stop at various viewpoints to take in the mountain vistas. Remember to let someone know your hiking plans and carry essentials like water and a map.
🍂 Autumn Enthusiasts
While fall is beautiful, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential early snow at higher elevations, especially later in the season.
This is also a great time for wildlife viewing as animals prepare for winter. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Big Cottonwood Canyon
Beyond Silver Lake, the canyon is home to Brighton Resort and Solitude Mountain Resort, offering skiing in the winter and hiking and mountain biking in the summer. The drive itself is an attraction, with pull-offs providing panoramic vistas of the Wasatch Mountains. Remember that dogs are not permitted in the canyon, so plan accordingly.
Whether you're seeking a peaceful nature walk, a challenging hike, or simply a beautiful scenic drive, Big Cottonwood Canyon has something to offer. Its accessibility makes it a favorite for locals and visitors alike, providing an escape into nature without a long journey.
Wildlife Encounters at Silver Lake
+1Beyond moose, keep an eye out for beavers, whose lodges can sometimes be spotted. Ducks are common on the lake, and squirrels and various bird species are abundant. The presence of wildlife adds an extra layer of magic to the Silver Lake experience, making it a rewarding destination for nature enthusiasts.
Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and never feed them. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the best times for sightings, as animals are often more active during these cooler periods.
Hiking Trails Around Silver Lake
For those seeking more adventure, the Silver Lake area serves as a gateway to more challenging hikes. A popular option is the short hike to Lake Solitude, which is manageable for families and offers a more secluded alpine lake experience.
Further exploration can lead to the Brighton Lakes trail system, which includes Lake Mary and Lake Catherine. This can be done as an out-and-back or a longer loop, offering a more strenuous but rewarding hiking experience with multiple alpine lakes to discover.
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