Fun Things To Do In Utah: Visit Silver Lake

Utah is a great place for those who are interested in outdoor activities. During the winter you have snowmobiling, snowshoeing, snow camping, and of course over 13 great ski resorts to choose from (have I mentioned the world’s best snow?), and in the summer there is boating, fishing, camping, hiking, biking, rock-climbing and so much more. There are fantastic National and State parks and so much to do in between.

If you are looking for a great place to get away for the morning or afternoon and maybe want to do some fishing, or take a quick hike with your family, Silver Lake is a great option. It is located just 14 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon, which is just a short jaunt from downtown Salt Lake City. Near the base of Brighton Ski Resort (or personal favorite) you can take one of the easiest hikes in Northern Utah and catch some beautiful scenery along the way.

Did I mention it is easy? So easy in fact I feel a little bad calling it even a hike. BabyTravels who has a few months yet until she turns two was able to walk the entire distance around the lake, stopping only to ooh and awe at rocks, fish, and stomp in muddy puddles.

The hike is a circle around the lake and begins at a visitor’s center that during the summer has indoor plumbing (and if you come in the off-season they have outhouses located just adjacent to the visitors center). For two-thirds of the path you are actually on a boardwalk over the marshland and the other short part is a dirt path. For at least the two-thirds with a boardwalk it would be wheelchair accessible, the other part may be too rough.

There are also more hikes and trails you can take that fork off of silver lake that are longer and more challenging. It was our first time and we really want to hike to twin lakes so we are planning another trip for next time and will throw BabyTravels in a hiking backpack.

If you are looking for a quick trip to the mountains to enjoy 20 degree cooler weather this summer, Silver Lake is worth looking into.