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 Reporter |
Summary: This hike is a more strenuous hike. If you are out of shape, you will certainly feel it the next day. All the work is worth it, though, as the trail passes through some beautiful woodland areas, mostly comprised of Aspen trees. The trail is often traveled and well defined. There are some moderate grades on this trail that may require a couple of rest stops along the way. Take time to stop periodically along the way and look back. The views are stunning, with Mount TImpanogos as the main attraction of this view, providing an awesome backdrop to some of Utah's more beautiful forest acreage. The rugged mountains overlooking this trail are amazing as well. The trail ultimately leads to a ridge that serves as a dam for Silver Lake. The lake is nestled into a valley created by the majestic mountains directly behind it. This beautiful display of nature's design is definitely worth the time and effort taken to get here. Trailhead: Travel 7.4 miles east on SR-92 from I-15 (Exit 287) to the fee booth at the mouth of American Fork Canyon. Drive east into the canyon another 4.6 miles. Take the turn-off to the left, SR-144 (North Fork). Drive 2.2 miles up North Fork to Tibble Fork Reservoir. The road continues past the north end of the reservoir then switches back and travels toward the Granite Flats Campground. At this point, be on the look for a horse transfer area. Shortly after the transfer area, there will be a dirt road to the right. Take this road. If you reach the Granite Flats C.G., you have gone too far. Follow the dirt road and the signs directing you to the Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. The road climbs in switchbacks for a couple of miles. Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is 3.8 miles up the dirt road. Continue to the north end of the reservoir to reach the parking area/trailhead for this hike. NOTE THAT THERE IS A $3.00 USE FEE COLLECTED WHEN YOU ENTER AMERICAN FORK CANYON! (Lat:40.507 Lon:-111.65641) Trail Guides for Silver Lake Trail: Best Easy Day Hikes - Salt Lake City by Brian Brinkerhoff (Falcon Publishing) Best Seasons: Fall, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: Uinta National Forest 88 West 100 North, Provo, UT 84601 (801) 342-5100 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Troy Slater, who has posted 9 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Josh on 10/18/2009 This was a great fall hike. Leaves were turning and the hike up to Silver Glance Lake was worth it. There was even snow up at the top along the lake side. My 8 year old daughter and our black lab both loved the hike and the snow. Great day. Took about 2 hours up and 1 hour down. I do recommend that younger kids would have a tough time with the elevation gain you make after the first .75 miles. 
Reviewed by Jason on 7/27/2009 Is the lake always full? Im planning on a fishing trip to it soon.
Reviewed by Viewer on 5/23/2009 Its a good hike. Crossing the creek was cool, but tricky. I got wet doing so. Even on May 21st the last 1/3 mile had quite a few snow patches you had to hike through. The lake still had ice on it and only at the edges was it thawed. This is the perfect time to go to avoid crowds. I saw one other person the whole time on the trail. If you go early season when you can't see the trail because of snow make sure you go down the way you came up. I thought I was but didn't really pay attention so I was on a different path and got into trouble by ending up in a stream that had steep rocks and I fell. Other than that great hike.
Reviewed by SJ on 8/24/2008 THE LAKE IS NICE, BUT MY BEST ADVICE IS DON'T DO THE HIKE IN CHEAP FLIP-FLOPS!!
Reviewed by Lorin on 10/8/2007 Saw a total of 4 moose in the Beaver Ponds below the lake. A fair number of hikers on a Saturday in Sept., including some Scout Troops, but I would second what Jeff said about the smaller lake up above. (Silver Glance Lake). From the moment I left Silver Lake, saw no one, and Silver Glance was more than worth the effort.
Reviewed by ROH & KHH on 6/5/2007 5-30-07 My wife and I are nearly 60 yrs old, and enjoy hiking Utah scenic trails. We live in Lindon, UT and even though close to home we had not hiked this trail previously. We took our time...2+hrs hiking up and a bit over an hour on the return route. The trail is well maintained with beautiful views/scenery. We saw a few deer and 4 mountain goats enroute. We had light day packs and enjoyed lunch by the lake on top. The last half mile definitely works the legs and lungs a bit. We would hike this one again and are looking forward to a return trip in the fall to enjoy the views.
Reviewed by KC on 11/30/2006 I have hiked this several times, at many different times of the year. It is a beautiful hike, and the lake is well worth the hike. I went in late June one year and the lake was still frozen and snow on the upper trail. Then other years it is completely ice free. But it is a favorite of mine, and always a great way to spend the afternoon.
Reviewed by ChrisM on 8/27/2006 I hiked this trail about two weeks ago on a week day and was just aroused by the natural beauty and wilderness setting this hike takes place in. A somewhat exposed to the bright sun trail all the way up so be sure to bring a hat to protect the skin. Ran into a moose grazing on the trail and also another picking around Silver lake when I got there. The glance above if you decide to continue hiking upward from the lake presents even more vast canyonland vistas which are a real treat to the eyes. Wonderfull hike that I completed in 5.5hrs thanks to the great directions this site provided, Thanks all and good luck to any newcomers considering giving this one a whirl! I cannot recommend it enough. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Utah Hiking, Utah Trails, Utah Hikes, Utah County Hiking, Utah County Trails, Utah County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||