If you’re looking for a cold, clear, alpine lake, Big Cottonwood Canyon is the place to be. You can take several different hiking trails to find lakes nestled amongst the pines, but some are rather strenuous. The Silver Lake Loop is a lakeside trail in Utah that’s suitable for just about anyone, and it’s less than a mile long. Plus, this trail takes you to what many Utahns consider the best lake in Utah. For a journey filled with absolute perfection, check out the Silver Lake Loop Trail.

Silver Lake is a picturesque alpine lake near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon. To find it, drive 14.2 miles from the mouth of the canyon to the Silver Lake Visitor Center at Brighton Resort.
Troy Curtis/Alltrails
The trail makes a 0.8-mile-long loop around the lake and much of it is a nice, wide boardwalk that's ADA-accessible.
Kaylee Richardson/Alltrails
The lake sits at an elevation of 8,700 feet and it's nice and cool up here! On a hot summer day, you'll enjoy much lower temperatures here than in the valley below.
Tadd Snowder/Alltrails
During the summer months, you'll want to bring along some mosquito repellant. The pesky critters love the marshy meadows on either side of the boardwalk.
The water is clear and cool and there are some trout in the lake. Get yourself a fishing license and bring your pole and tackle box. There's a fishing pier along the boardwalk and it's also ADA-accessible.
Hayley Camelli/Alltrails
There's more than fish in the lake — you'll see ducks swimming around, too.
Adrienne Dixon/Alltrails

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Moose love to hang out at Silver Lake. It's rare to take a hike here and not get a glimpse of one ...
Rolf Lawrenz/Alltrails
... or even two! Keep an eye out for other wildlife like mule deer, squirrels, rabbits, birds, and more.
Brandon Rasmussen/flickr
On the far side of the lake, the boardwalk ends and this lakeside trail in Utah becomes dirt. Most of it is still easily navigable, but it isn't completely flat and some tree roots and rocks are present. Make sure to watch your step!
Rolf Lawrenz/Alltrails
Stop in at the Silver Lake Visitor's Center for a map and wildflower guide. Your purchase supports the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation.
Jeremy Pettitt/Alltrails
Pack a lunch and plan on spending the entire afternoon at Silver Lake, the best lake in Utah!
Hannah Bakker/Alltrails
This easy lakeside trail is perfect for just about everyone in the family, but make sure to leave your pup at home; dogs aren't allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Have you hiked Silver Lake Loop lately? Do you have another scenic hike in Utah that you love? We’d love to see your pics and read about your adventures in the comments! You can also learn more about Silver Lake in Utah and nearby trails on the Silver Lake Visitor Center website.

Big Cottonwood Canyon is one of our favorite natural playgrounds in Utah. In fact, we think it has the most breathtaking scenery and is one of the best places to explore regardless of the time of year. What are your favorite destinations in this Utah canyon?

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Lakeside trail in Utah

Courtnie Erickson | May 06, 2022

What is a scenic hike in Utah I should add to my bucket list?

We could list dozens of scenic hikes in Utah that you should add to your bucket list. However, if you are in the southern part of the state, there is one scenic trail that tends to stick out — the Red Reef Trail. Found at the Red Cliffs Campground near St. George, this out-and-back hiking trail is gorgeous every step of the way as you will trek through red rocks and desert landscapes. At the end of the trail, you will come to a beautiful waterfall that is particularly magnificent during the spring months. While you can always turn around at the falls, there are also Moki steps and a rope to help you climb above the falls and continue exploring the canyon.

In the northern part of the Beehive State, you must tackle the Cecret Lake Trail. This trail is not only stunning, but it takes you to one of the best lakes in Utah. This scenic hike in Utah is 1.5-miles round-trip so it’s short and sweet. You’ll find the trailhead at the Albion basin Campground up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Along your journey, you’ll capture gorgeous forest and mountain views and Cecret Lake itself is absolutely beautiful. This lake is surrounded by mountains and trees and you’ll feel tucked away from the world as you admire Utah’s natural beauty surrounding you.

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