Twin Lakes one of the most beautiful lakes in Big Cottonwood Canyon. It got it’s name from the narrower part in the middle of the lake, that makes it looks like two lakes adjoining lakes. This image from the Patsy Marley Peak trail shows Twin Lakes below.
The trail begins on the far side of Silver Lake. You will walk around the boardwalk of Silver Lake. Going counter-clockwise from the parking area is the faster way, but either way is fine.
As you climb, you can see Silver Lake getting smaller.
During the fall this climb through the aspens is magical!
That view of Silver Lake from above is always beautiful, but with the fall colors it’s spectacular!
There are quite a bit of rocks on most of this trail and it’s steep in parts. It’s doable with kids, but you have to take extra time to make sure no one trips, especially on the way down. Trekking poles are useful.
The wildflowers are stunning in July and August, but even in October you might find some!
Twin Lakes is very picturesque!
Multiple times I have seen chipmunks or squirrels near the lake.
I took my five kids on the loop with Lake Solitude. I recommend doing Twin Lakes first and then Lake Solitude, because the hill between them is quite tiring if you have to go up it. It adds some mileage, but not difficulty to go to Lake Solitude after Twin Lakes. It is beautiful to see Twin Lakes from above!
If you go over the ridge, you can look soon down on Lake Solitude. Lake Solitude is less impressive than Twin Lakes, but still beautiful and the wildflowers on the hike are stunning.
Another option to head up to the nearby peaks, Patsy Marley, Mount Wolverine, and Mount Tuscarora. Here is the view or Twin Lakes from Patsy Marley and Mount Wolverine. From Wolverine you can also see Lake Mary.
You can also take the trail over to Lake Mary and from there continue up to Lake Martha, Lake Catherine or Sunset Peak. If you take that trail, you will go down, around, and then back up to the other side of the Twin Lakes dam and have a peek at Twin Lakes from the opposite side.
Here are a few more views of beautiful Twin Lakes.
Twin Lakes Trail
Stats: Distance – 2.3 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 2-3 hours
Elevation gain – 757 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude Loop
Stats: Distance – 4.5 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 2-4 hours
Elevation gain – 938 feet
Difficulty – Moderate
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – May – October
Permits needed – None
Pets allowed – No
