Spring is almost here, and with the weather warming up it’s time to start thinking about hiking. Here’s a hiking trail that’s surrounded by vibrant wildflowers every year.
The Silver Lake Trail in American Fork Canyon is a moderately difficult, 4.5-mile round trip trail that’s one of the most beautiful in the state.
Yiwen Chung/Alltrails There are two Silver Lakes in Utah - one in Big Cottonwood Canyon; the other in American Fork Canyon. This trail is in American Fork Canyon, and you’ll find the trailhead up the canyon past Tibble Fork Reservoir. Take Silver Lake Road until you get to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Park in the parking lot at the reservoir and find the trailhead to the north. Note that Silver Lake Road is a dirt road that may not be passable after a rain storm or for some passenger cars.
Silver Lake Flat Reservoir is a stunning spot to start any hike, and you’ll want to take a moment to appreciate the view of Mt. Timpanogos from here.
Brett Neilson/flickr
The trail meanders through groves of aspens, and is nice and shady on a hot day.
Will Rodriguez/Alltrails
After just a half mile of hiking, you’ll enter the Lone Peak Wilderness Area.
Miranda Loosle/Alltrails Sign the trail log as you pass through. If you want to make an overnight trip of it, camping is allowed here, but campfires typically aren’t. Make sure you carry out everything you carry in, and keep this area as pristine as you found it.
You’ll cross Silver Creek several times along the way.
Anisa Rocchi/Alltrails
It’s not uncommon to see wildlife along the trail.
Brandon Rasmussen/flickr Watch for mule deer and moose.
You’ll also see several small waterfalls in Spring Creek.
Sitou Danhounsrou/flickr
Keep your eye out for wildflowers, which are abundant along this trail.
Lori Durham Leszczynski/Alltrails Depending on the year, wildflowers can bloom here as early as May or as late as August.
Once the wildflowers have bloomed, they’re everywhere!
Brittany Stoker/Alltrails
There’s such a variety of colorful blooms that you’ll definitely want to capture these beauties on film.
Yiwen Chung/Alltrails You’ve heard the expression, “Take time to stop and smell the flowers.” This is one of those times.
The hike climbs in elevation a total of 1,404 feet from start to finish, and the second half of the hike is particularly rough. But fields of wildflowers like this are a great payout for some strenuous hiking.
James Z/Alltrails
Silver Lake is a little gem, and the scenery surrounding it is gorgeous.
Natalie Wagstaff/Alltrails The Silver Lake hike is one of the most beautiful in the state. You start at a lake, and end at one…and enjoy wildlife and wildflowers all along the way.
What’s your favorite wildflower hike?
Yiwen Chung/Alltrails
There are two Silver Lakes in Utah - one in Big Cottonwood Canyon; the other in American Fork Canyon. This trail is in American Fork Canyon, and you’ll find the trailhead up the canyon past Tibble Fork Reservoir. Take Silver Lake Road until you get to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Park in the parking lot at the reservoir and find the trailhead to the north. Note that Silver Lake Road is a dirt road that may not be passable after a rain storm or for some passenger cars.
Brett Neilson/flickr
Will Rodriguez/Alltrails
Miranda Loosle/Alltrails
Sign the trail log as you pass through. If you want to make an overnight trip of it, camping is allowed here, but campfires typically aren’t. Make sure you carry out everything you carry in, and keep this area as pristine as you found it.
Anisa Rocchi/Alltrails
Brandon Rasmussen/flickr
Watch for mule deer and moose.
Sitou Danhounsrou/flickr
Lori Durham Leszczynski/Alltrails
Depending on the year, wildflowers can bloom here as early as May or as late as August.
Brittany Stoker/Alltrails
You’ve heard the expression, “Take time to stop and smell the flowers.” This is one of those times.
James Z/Alltrails
Natalie Wagstaff/Alltrails
The Silver Lake hike is one of the most beautiful in the state. You start at a lake, and end at one…and enjoy wildlife and wildflowers all along the way.
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