Twin Lakes is one trail option that branches off from Silver Lake, the accessible one up at Brighton Ski Resort. Twin Lakes climbs above Silver Lake on a decently steep slope, presenting you with beautiful views first of the lake and then the surrounding valley. It is a fairly exposed hike, but the lake is really quite pretty.
OVERVIEW
Where: Brighton Ski Resort, starting from the back of Silver Lake
Grown up difficulty: easy to medium
Kid difficulty: medium to hard
Length and elevation: 760 ft up, 2.3 miles out and back
To see: lakes, trees, granite rocks
Busyness: medium to heavy
AllTrails: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/twin-lakes
DETAILS
This hike starts at the back of Silver Lake. My post here covers Silver Lake pretty thoroughly. We’ve seen moose here on the boardwalk a few times, and the kids love to watch the fish in the water. At the backside of the lake, once you’ve hit dirt trail, there is a branch off for Twin Lakes and Lake Solitude. Twin Lakes heads to the left and Lake Solitude continues straight. Take the left branch, up the side of the mountain that borders Silver Lake.
This portion of the hike is quite exposed and the slope can be steep at times. If it’s near freezing, consider spikes and hiking sticks for your safety. You’ll hike through small boulder fields and evergreens, and get to see signs of ski season. Of course, the view is enhanced with the elevation gain, as the valley and mountains around Brighton are picturesque. Twin Lakes is a reservoir, so toward the end you’ll see signs of that, like metal railings around the edge of it.
At the lake, we like to explore a bit and have our snacks. The pines and firs around it bring a heavenly scent to the area.
REVIEW
This hike is one of the harder ones my kids have done. We’ve had a decent amount of whining with the combination of exposure and elevation gain. They love throwing rocks in the lake at the top, and you deserve a good break there after the climb (especially when you have to carry the snacks, water, and the child!). Use your distraction toolbox (friends, snacks, songs, games) and point out the different plants, animals, and bugs you see. If you can take friends along, do that!
Faves: the lakes, wildlife, trees
Hardest: exposure and climb
Gear: good shoes, snacks, water, possibly spikes and hiking sticks
