The Brighton Lakes are a must-see for anyone visiting Utah. Located at the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon road off of the 6200-south exit on I-215 these lakes showcase the beauty of the Wasatch mountains and provide memorable experiences for the whole family!
The Brighton Lakes consist of 5 separate lakes on the Silver Lake trailhead near the parking lot for the Brighton Ski Resort.
5 Brighton Lakes in Utah
Silver Lake
Silver lake is located right off of the trailhead parking lot where a boardwalk will take you through a meadow to the edge of the lake. This ¾ mile loop is a fun and easy hike for the whole family.
The majority of the trail is wheelchair accessible with access to picnic tables throughout. Silver lake is also regularly stocked with brook trout and rainbow trout and is a very popular place for fishers of all different abilities.
Dog Lake
Dog lake is the second lake accessible from the Silver Lake trailhead. This can be found just over a mile down the trail and is usually less trafficked than the other Brighton lakes in Utah.
This is the smallest of the Brighton lakes in Utah, but is a great spot to see wildlife and wildflowers in the warmer months.
Lake Mary
This lake is actually a reservoir for the Salt Lake area and is the largest of the lakes in this trail system. It is not much past Dog Lake and is a favorite for family picnics and for those looking to enjoy the scenery without a longer hike.
This lake is very popular and it is very common to see a number of other groups on the trail and at the lake.
Lake Martha
Continuing on the Silver Lake trail another half a mile, this lake sits right on the edge of the trail and offers spectacular views of the vegetation and greenery that surround it.
This portion is not recommended for those with small children or a fear of heights due to the steep rock faces and sloped climbs required to reach it.
Lake Catherine
The final mile of the trail will take you through multiple switchbacks on the mountain that provide beautiful views of the other lakes in the area. When you reach the ridge at the top, the trail splits in both directions.
The trail on the left will take you to Lake Catherine and the trail on the right takes you to Catherine pass where you can see many of the other prominent peaks in the area.
Whether you are looking to tackle the whole trail or picnic on the shore of Silver Lake, preparation is crucial to having an amazing trip!
Remember to bring extra water because temperatures can get very high and the altitude can cause dehydration much quicker than you may be used to, wear light breathable clothing that can protect you from the vegetation, and bring a lot of sunscreen to protect you on the brighter days!
This area is part of the Utah watershed which means that swimming in all the lakes (Dog Lake not included) is prohibited. Restrooms are also available in the parking lot before you begin the hike.
Contact us if you want to book some Brighton Utah vacation rentals. We will be happy to help you!