Hiking Silver Lake and Silver Glance Lake
American Fork Canyon
Overview
Sun 42 | 29 |
Mon 44 | 29 |
Tue 29 | 26 |
Wed 37 | 20 |
Thu 41 | 29 |
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Sun 42 | 29 |
Mon 44 | 29 |
Tue 29 | 26 |
Wed 37 | 20 |
Thu 41 | 29 |
View Full Weather Details |
Silver Lake, near Tibble Fork in American Fork Canyon, is not to be confused with the Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon. This Silver Lake is a popular and stunning lake in the shadow of some of the most dramatic and rugged peaks in the Wasatch that requires a bit of a hike to reach. The lake, situated at 9000', is surrounded by towering, rugged granite cliffs and alpine beauty. The 2-mile hike one way gains about 1500', making it a moderate outing that is popular with fisherman, hikers, and those looking for a close and scenic overnight backpack. It requires effort to reach, but not too much effort...
My first trip to Silver Lake, I was short on time, so just visited the lake proper. I couldn't resist the alpine scenery though, and was back 2 days later to hike to Silver Lake then continue on to Silver Glance Lake higher in the drainage. I was not disappointed! Silver Lake is beautiful, but Silver Glance Lake, to my eye, was even more so. Because it is 800' more elevation gain, and much smaller than Silver Lake, Silver Glance Lake doesn't see nearly as much traffic. If you seek solitude, visit Silver Lake, but then continue up the drainage to Silver Glance Lake.
Getting There
From the fee both at the bottom of American Fork Canyon, head up the canyon on UT-92 for 4.7 miles to the signed junction for Tibble Fork on the left. Turn left and drive 2.5 miles on UT-144 to Tibble Fork Reservoir.
At the reservoir, turn left toward Granite Flat Campground/Silver Flats. About 0.7 miles from Tibble Fork Reservoir, just before Granite Flat Campground, turn right signed Silver Flat. This is where the road turns to dirt.
Follow the dirt road 3.1 miles to Silver Flat where there is a lake and signed Silver Lake Trailhead on the left. The trailhead at Silver Flat has a large parking area and pit toilet. There is no camping at the trailhead.
Route
To Silver Lake (2.25 miles / 1-2 hours)
From the trailhead, follow the trail as it heads north up the Silver Creek drainage. The main trail is well-defined, well-travelled, and easy to follow. A few small side trails go off the main trail, but always stay on the main trail. About a mile from the trailhead, the trail crosses Silver Creek and heads east up the slope, starting a section of climbing and switchbacks that work up to Silver Lake a little over 2 miles from the trailhead.
To Silver Glance Lake (just under a mile from Silver Lake / 30-60 minutes)
From the east side of Silver Lake, find a social trail heading north. The social trail is steep, and well-defined. It climbs more steeply than the trail to Silver Lake, but the perseverance is worth it. At just about a mile, the social trail reaches Silver Glance Lake, nestled up against the base of Red Baldy peak. There are a few excellent primitive campsites around the lake. I would assume, give its small size, there aren't fish in the lake.
Maps
Trailhead |
12T 444387mE 4484254mN N40° 30' 26" W111° 39' 23" |
Main Silver Creek Crossing |
12T 443663mE 4485310mN N40° 30' 60" W111° 39' 54" |
Silver Lake |
12T 443168mE 4485896mN N40° 31' 19" W111° 40' 15" |
Silver Glance Lake |
12T 443230mE 4486945mN N40° 31' 53" W111° 40' 13" |