Silver Glance Lake is a beautiful mountain lake in American Fork Canyon that you can get to with a difficult hike. It is sometimes called Silver Lake Glance and is above Silver Lake, Silver Lake Flat Reservoir, and Tibble Fork Reservoir. There is a lack of creativity in names, so there are two Silver Lakes, the one in AF Canyon and the Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon.
This is a challenging trail. The trail to Silver Lake is 4.7 moderate miles and then it’s only an extra 1.2 difficult miles to Silver Glance Lake, but they are steep! This view is maybe halfway up between the lakes, but Silver Lake is already nearly 500 feet below. The total elevation difference is 924 feet all within 0.6 miles.
Directions
Drive up past Tibble Fork Reservoir and then continue on the paved road towards Granite Flats Campground. There is a dirt road that continues three miles up to Silver Lake Flat. Here is a view of a Tibble Fork on the way up to the trailhead.
You will want to park on the north side of Silver Lake Flat by the restrooms (pit toilets). Make sure to walk over and admire Silver Lake Flat Reservoir.
The first part of the hike is an easy path through the aspens.
About halfway the trail starts to get a little steeper with larger rocks.
There is a small water crossing and then a larger one. You will need to cross the river and then head to the right on the far bank. There are rocks and logs to step on.
There are gorgeous views of the canyon below.
As you continue you will see Silver Lake Flat down below.
As you keep hiking you can hear and see a large waterfall in the distance.
It’s easy to miss the trail near the end. If you miss it you will be climbing up more steeply by the boulders. Some steeper climbing by the boulders is inevitable the last stretch before Silver Lake.
Silver Lake in American Fork Canyon is very beautiful!
American Fork Canyon is not a watershed, so you can jump in the icy lake if you dare! The cold will take your breath away, even in the hottest months, but once you come out it’s refreshing.
Now you can continue up to Silver Glance Lake. Head up above Silver Lake. There is a steep, rocky trail.
Looking back you see tranquil Silver Lake below.
The trail continues steeply uphill. As you get higher, the landscape starts to look more like the Uintas or other high elevation spots.
The views behind are my favorite.
It was tiring hiking up gaining elevation quickly, but the views were great to admire as I caught my breath.
After 923 feet of elevation gain, you will come to Silver Glance Lake.
This time of year we could skirt around the rock without getting wet.
It’s a small, but scenic lake.
If you continue beyond the lake a few hundred feet, you can get a good view. Here is the terrain beyond the lake.
As you get higher you can see Mount Timpanogos over the trees.
Here is another shot.
Off to the left of the picture above you can look into the valley below. I recommend walking the few hundred feet over that direction.
If you hike this trail during the summer there are wildflowers and butterflies.
Stats: Distance – 5.9 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 3-6 hours
Elevation gain – 2,358 feet
Difficulty – Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – April -October
Permits needed – $10 day pass per vehicle or National Parks Pass
Purchase pass online here.
Pets allowed – Yes
Other trails nearby are Silver Lake Flat Trail, Tibble Fork Loop, and Pine Hollow Loop. Here are other difficult hikes.
