Silver Lake Flat is one of the most beautiful reservoirs around, especially in June! This post describes circumnavigating the lake to see all the spectacular views.
Directions
Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is three miles above Tibble Fork Reservoir in American Fork Canyon. Most of that is on a rough dirt road. It can be done in a regular vehicle, but high clearance is preferable.
I will describe this starting from the main parking lot that is the trailhead for Silver Lake.
If you walk straight to Silver Lake Flat from the parking lot, there are a couple picnic tables.
The view is amazing from the shore!
The water levels are lower other times of year. The road is closed from November-late May, or sometimes in late-October depending on snow levels, but you can catch different seasons even with the road open, or hike up the Silver Lake Flat Trail.
There is a trail that begins just to the right. We will go around the lake counter-clockwise.
The trail is clear at first, but then you might have to do some route-finding through the aspens.
You can walk along the road for this section it’s easier.
You can still see the lake through the trees from the road.
Soon you come to the dam. I am standing on the end of it.
Occasionally there will be horses or cyclists, but usually just a hiker or fisherman.
Here are the views looking off the dam the other directions from the lake.
Here is one standing on the dam looking at the lake when the water is low late in the summer.
It is way more incredible when the water is full.
This side of the lake has a lot better trail.
Here are some views from this part.
The trail continues along the edge of the reservoir. These are looking both directions from the same spot.
It’s a pretty view looking towards Mount Timpanogos.
The views across the lake are so pretty!
The views towards the north are beautiful too.
Silver Lake and Silver Glance Lake this direction. The two mountains are White Baldy and Red Baldy.
As you get to the edge of the lake the path has a slight incline.
There is a meadow area on the hillside.
It depends on the time of year, but when the water is flowing, you will have to cross with water up to your ankles.
If you don’t want to walk through the water, you can return the way you came.
I have seen some beautiful birds and butterflies at Silver Lake Flat.
I have taken Milky Way photos at Silver Lake Flat.
Stats: Distance – 1.2 mile loop
Approximate hiking time – 20-60 minutes
Elevation gain – 28 feet
Difficulty – Easy
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
