This stunning mountain reservoir in American Fork Canyon is such a beautiful place to spend some time. It’s a little confusing because it’s called Silver Lake Flat, Silver Flat Reservoir, and there are two Silver Lakes nearby, Silver Lake in American Fork Canyon that begins here at Silver Lake Flat and Silver Lake in Brighton at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon.
There is a trail that walks around the lake through the aspens and pines (about one mile, easy). There is also a hiking trail called Silver Flat Lake Trail that starts at Tibble Fork Reservoir and heads up though the trees to Silver Flat Lake (3.6 miles, moderate or 2.5 from the Horse Transfer Station) It does have some cross-trails, so I recommend downloading the AllTrails map to keep you headed the right direction. There is a trail that begins at Silver Flat Lake and heads up to Silver Lake (4.7 miles, moderate/difficult) and even continues to Silver Glance Lake (5.9 miles, difficult). This time we just went to the lake for kayaking and fishing.
The road to get just beyond Tibble Fork is paved, but the last three miles to Silver Flat Lake are a dirt road. It can be done in a regular car, but it is a bit of a bumpy ride, even in our Subaru. As you drive up, there is an opportunity to look down on Tibble Fork Reservoir below.
There are a few parking lots and restrooms up at the lake. Camping is also allowed, but not within a half mile of the lake. It is such a beautiful place to spend time.
One thing to consider is that this lake is drained throughout the summer to refill Tibble Fork and for water in the valley. It is so full and beautiful late May and June, but by the end of July it looks like this and half the water is gone.
This is also an awesome location for photographing the Milky Way or the Perseids Meteor Shower.
More photos of gorgeous Silver Lake Flat.
Stats: Distance – 0-6 miles roundtrip depending on hike (see top paragraph)
Approximate hiking time – 0-4 hours
Elevation gain – 0-2395 feet
Difficulty – Easy/moderate/difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – Yes, at Silver Flat and Tibble Fork Reservoirs
Seasons to hike – May-October (during winter with microspikes)
Permits needed – $6 day pass per vehicle or National Parks Pass
Pets allowed – Yes
