Silver Lake is nestled fifteen miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon near Brighton, Utah.  The Silver Lake area has an accessible boardwalk with interpretive signs around a beautiful natural lake. The boardwalk is accessible for visitors and fishers May to October, subject to weather. During the winter months, the Silver Lake boardwalk area is managed by the Solitude Nordic Center for cross-country skiing (fee information can be found here).  This unique area is part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and is accessible via UT 190. Remember: No dogs or swimming in Big Cottonwood Canyon (see watershed information below).

The Silver Lake Visitor Center is closed.  It will reopen in late May, 2026.

There is a Recreation Enhancement Act fee charged by the US Forest Service to visit Silver Lake.  The 3-day pass costs $10 per vehicle and can be purchased via a QR Code in the Visitor Center parking area or at the Brighton Store.  America the Beautiful (the National Park Pass) passes will also be accepted. Please display your 3-day pass or America the Beautiful pass on your dashboard when parked at the Visitor Center or the Brighton Store. For information about the fee passes and trail closures, please call the Forest Service at 801-733-2660.

Silver Lake is located within the Salt Lake Watershed, which is an important source of culinary drinking water for the Salt Lake Valley.  As such, watershed protection principles are in place.  Pets are not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon (even in vehicles) unless the pet is a service animal as defined by the ADA.  Swimming, wading, and paddleboarding are not allowed at Silver Lake, Lake Mary, Lake Martha, Lake Catherine, Lake Solitude or at Twin Lakes Reservoir.