Getting out on Utah’s hiking trails is the best way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Beehive State, and with countless trails to choose from, there’s one that’s perfect for you today, no matter what your skill level. There’s a beautiful trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon that’s great for beginners, and you’re going to want to check it out this summer.
The Lake Solitude Trail is actually two trails in one! You’ll start your hike at Silver Lake, which is a boardwalk trail right off the parking lot at Brighton Resort. As you make your way around Silver Lake, you’ll see the trailhead sign for Lake Solitude.
Abby Taylor/Alltrails To reach Brighton Resort, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 14 miles. Park in the well-marked lot.
This pretty path is a 3.3-mile journey, out and back. It’s not as easy as the Silver Lake trail, which is almost completely flat, but it provides more of a “hiking” experience, and it’s well worth the little bit more effort you’ll put in.
Abby Taylor/Alltrails
While you can get away with just about any pair of shoes on the Silver Lake Trail, you’ll want some sturdy hiking shoes or boots to reach Lake Solitude. The trail is more steep, and there are plenty of rocks and tree roots underfoot.
Marina Newhart/Alltrails
You’ll experience a 500-foot elevation change during this hike, but it’s spread out over the 1.7 miles up, so it’s just a gradual climb. And, since you’re hiking through a gorgeous forest, you’ll barely notice!
Alyson Smith/Alltrails Unless, of course, you’re visiting Utah from a much lower elevation. Then you’ll definitely notice the high elevation of Brighton Resort as you gasp for air! If you’re new to Utah and not accustomed to hiking at 9,000 feet, take your time on this one.
The trail takes you right underneath one of Brighton’s chair lifts. You might have wondered what the ski runs look like underneath all that snow…now you can see it all decked out in its green summer glory!
Annie Perkins/Alltrails
During late July and August, tons of wildflowers line the trail and fill the fields. Allow yourself some extra time to stop and take some pretty pictures.
Kailee Salgado/Alltrails
You’ll make one final push up a short, but steep section of the trail to reach Lake Solitude, and you can see that your effort has paid off. This pretty alpine lake is the perfect place for a picnic.
Hanan Martan/Alltrails
From Lake Solitude, you can return the way you came, or continue on around the lake to hook into the Twin Lakes Trail. If you choose to continue on, your total hike will be around 4.5 miles.
Jordan Galloway/Alltrails Though the name of the lake is Lake Solitude, you won’t likely experience any solitude on this hike. It’s a popular trail, and you’ll be sharing it with other Utahns and visitors. If you hike early in the morning on a weekday, you’ll experience fewer crowds, but be prepared to meet some new friends on your journey! As always, be a good steward of our precious mountain trails when you hike. Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on the trail to avoid trampling the pristine landscape around it, and don’t approach or hassle moose or other wildlife. Let’s keep this place just as stunning as we found it for generations to come.
What are you waiting for? Grab a backpack and your walking stick and hit the trail! If you’ve hiked the Lake Solitude Trail, share your experience with our readers in the comments.
Abby Taylor/Alltrails
To reach Brighton Resort, drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 14 miles. Park in the well-marked lot.
Marina Newhart/Alltrails
Alyson Smith/Alltrails
Unless, of course, you’re visiting Utah from a much lower elevation. Then you’ll definitely notice the high elevation of Brighton Resort as you gasp for air! If you’re new to Utah and not accustomed to hiking at 9,000 feet, take your time on this one.
Annie Perkins/Alltrails
Kailee Salgado/Alltrails
Hanan Martan/Alltrails
Jordan Galloway/Alltrails
Though the name of the lake is Lake Solitude, you won’t likely experience any solitude on this hike. It’s a popular trail, and you’ll be sharing it with other Utahns and visitors. If you hike early in the morning on a weekday, you’ll experience fewer crowds, but be prepared to meet some new friends on your journey! As always, be a good steward of our precious mountain trails when you hike. Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on the trail to avoid trampling the pristine landscape around it, and don’t approach or hassle moose or other wildlife. Let’s keep this place just as stunning as we found it for generations to come.
Read our feature article about Silver Lake here, and if you’re looking for another easy trail in Big Cottonwood Canyon, you’ll want to try this two-mile trail that takes you through an enchanting forest.
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