🍂 Silver Lake: A Perfect Fall Family & Photography Getaway
If you're looking for a beautiful fall destination that's easy to get to and doesn't require a strenuous hike, Silver Lake in Big Cottonwood Canyon is definitely worth a visit. Located right next to Brighton Resort, Silver Lake offers incredible mountain scenery, fall colors, and an easy trail that's great for the whole family.
📍 Getting There
Silver Lake sits near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon, right next to Brighton Ski Resort. The lake is easily accessible from the parking area, with the trail and boardwalk starting just a short distance away. The loop around the lake is an easy walk, making it a great option when you want to enjoy the mountains without committing to a difficult hike.
One thing to know before you go: parking at Silver Lake isn't free. The Forest Service currently charges a $10 recreation fee per vehicle for a 3-day pass. America the Beautiful passes are also accepted.
📸 A Great Place for Family Pictures
Silver Lake is more than just a nice place for a walk — it's an excellent location for family photography.
The lake, boardwalk, surrounding aspens, evergreen trees, and mountain backdrop give you plenty of options for beautiful family portraits. Fall adds another layer with the changing leaves and golden mountain scenery.
If you're looking for a family photo location that doesn't require everyone to hike for miles before you can start shooting, Silver Lake is a fantastic choice.
👨👩👧👦 Let the Kids Burn Off Some Energy
One of the things that makes Silver Lake such a good family destination is that kids actually have room to enjoy themselves.
The easy loop gives families something to explore, while the surrounding area provides plenty of opportunities for kids to run around and burn off some energy. It's a great way to turn a mountain outing into something the whole family can enjoy rather than a hike where you're constantly hearing, “Are we there yet?” 😂
The trail is also short enough that younger hikers don't have to tackle a huge distance.
🍁 Fall Is Especially Beautiful
Fall is one of the best times to visit Silver Lake. The surrounding aspens begin changing colors, creating a beautiful contrast against the dark evergreens and mountain landscape.
For photographers, this is when Silver Lake really shines. Reflections on the water, colorful foliage, the boardwalk, and the surrounding mountains provide plenty of opportunities to experiment with different compositions.
Wildlife can also be spotted around the lake, so keep your camera ready — but remember to give wildlife plenty of space.
🎒 Things to Do
A visit to Silver Lake can be as simple or as photography-focused as you want it to be:
- 📸 Take family portraits
- 🍂 Photograph the fall colors
- 🚶 Walk the lake loop
- 🦌 Look for wildlife
- 🌲 Enjoy the mountain scenery
- 👨👩👧👦 Let the kids explore and burn off some energy
- 🏔️ Combine your visit with a stop at Brighton
The boardwalk around the lake also includes interpretive signs, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the area's natural environment.
💡 Before You Go
Remember that Silver Lake is part of the Salt Lake watershed, so there are some important restrictions. Swimming and wading aren't allowed, and pets aren't permitted in Big Cottonwood Canyon except for qualifying service animals.
Also, don't forget the $10 parking/recreation fee when planning your visit.
📍 Silver Lake
Big Cottonwood Canyon • Next to Brighton Ski Resort
Whether you're looking for an easy mountain walk, a place for the kids to burn off some energy, or a beautiful location for family photos, Silver Lake is one of those Utah spots that's worth putting on your fall list. 🍂📸
