This Beautiful Boardwalk Trail In Utah Is The Most Unique Hike Around
By Catherine Armstrong|Published April 19, 2018
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Catherine Armstrong
Author
Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.
If you’re an avid hiker, Utah is the place to be. You could spend a lifetime hiking in the Beehive State and still not see everything. But not all Utahns are experienced hikers; some folks have mobility or health issues that keep them from exploring strenuous trails. Here’s a boardwalk trail that’s well suited to just about anyone, and it’s surrounded by the spectacular scenery of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
The Silver Lake Loop Trail is a short .8-mile-long trail that leads you around a gorgeous alpine lake.
You’ll find the trailhead about 14 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon at the Silver Lake Visitor Center. If you’re planning your adventure for a weekend, try to get there early so you can find a parking space in the lot.
You’ll cross a marshy area next to the lake and then make a loop around. While most of the trail is boardwalk, there is a section on the far side of the lake that is dirt and may not be accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Silver Lake is simply gorgeous. Plan on spending an entire afternoon here. Though the hike won’t take long to complete, you can also enjoy a picnic and even try a little fishing.
This trail is an easy way to enjoy Utah’s outdoors without expending much effort. It’s suitable for just about anyone, but the lake does sit at 8,760 feet, so if you have breathing problems that are affected by high altitude, it might not be the right hike for you.