Believing Mormons were rebelling against the laws of the United States, President James Buchanan dispatched 3,500 troops, nearly one-third of the entire U.S. Army, to suppress the rumored rebellion in Utah. No rebellion or war ever took place in Utah. However, the army stayed to monitor the Mormons, explore the western frontier, and provide safety for immigrants moving west to California, Oregon, and Washington. Camp Floyd, named in honor of Secretary of War John Floyd, was built by the army with the help of local citizens, providing a financial boost to the local economy. At their height, Camp Floyd was the largest military installation in the United States. The population of Camp Floyd and the town of Fairfield grew to 7,000, making it the third largest city in the Utah Territory.

Camp Floyd State Park and Museum

Great Utah snow, fantastic terrain, and exceptional value are what make Brighton a favorite of skiers and snowboarders alike. Brighton has 6 lifts (4 high-speed quads, 1 fixed quad and 1 triple chair) and a magic carpet to whisk you to incredible slopes and scenery. Children 10 years and younger ride free any day, all season.

#### Included in the Salt Lake Ski Super Pass

[Learn more about the Super Pass](https://www.visitsaltlake.com/things-to-do/skiing-snowboarding/super-pass/)

Brighton Resort

This easy out-and-back hike is family friendly and great for all skill levels. Just one mile in leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountain beauty.

Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon at Alta Ski Area, Cecret Lake Trail is a popular hike that is surrounded by nature and great views.

This hike is popular, so it's best to arrive early, especially on the weekends. There is a $10 fee to park at the trailhead, which is located right by Albion Basin Campground. You can park right at the trailhead, or park for free before the gate and extend your hike a few miles. The very last portion of the trail is steeper than the rest, bringing you up to the lake. Once there, enjoy the scenery! You can walk around the lake for a longer hike or take your time before you head back down. Though this is an excellent summer or fall hike, the best views are during the summertime. During warmer months, the trail is filled with stunning wildflowers and lots of wildlife.

**Author’s recommendation**  
July and August are the best times to see the wildflowers along the trail. Dogs and swimming in the lake are not allowed.

Cecret Lake

Located up Big Cottonwood canyon, this trail is a great opportunity to get out on your snowshoes. If you're not looking to go too far, you can also bring a tube or sled and enjoy the hills at the trailhead.

Lake Desolation Mill D North Trail

The Mountain Dell courses, 16 miles east of downtown at an altitude of 6,000 ft above sea level, offer breathtaking views and frequent glimpses of wildlife such as moose, deer, elk, eagles, hawks, badgers, squirrels, and an occasional cougar. The Lake Course features narrow, rolling fairways and tee shots over ravines and water.

**Course Amenities:**

Driving Range

Retail Proshop

Rental pull carts

Cafe

Practice greens, chipping area

Motorized rental cars

Handicap Cart - provide 24 hour notice

Certified PGA Instructors

**Course Stats:**

| Tee | Par | Rating | Slope | Yardage |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Black - Men | 71 | 72.2 | 129 | 6745 |
| Blue - Men | 71 | 69.7 | 125 | 6049 |
| White - Men | 71 | 66.2 | 117 | 5463 |
| White - Women | 71 | 69.3 | 123 | 5463 |
| Gold - Women | 71 | 66.1 | 111 | 5066 |

[Course Scorecard](http://www.slc-golf.com/sites/www.slc-golf.com/files/MDLscorecard.pdf)

Mountain Dell Golf Course

Ride Snowbird's iconic tram to the top of Hidden Peak (at 11,000 feet!) for amazing views. On clear days you can see down into the Salt Lake valley.

Summer and Winter scenic rides available. Summer hours: 11 am to 8 pm. Winter hours: 9 am to 3pm

Included in these Attractions Passes:

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Aerial Tram at Snowbird

From I-15 exit 297 go east on UT-48 to the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the canyon to Brighton. Silver Lake is behind the Nordic Center on the one-way loop.Birds you can see—Blue Grouse, Three-toed Wood-pecker, Hammond’s and Dusky Flycatchers, Western Wood-Pewee, Townsend’s Solitaire, Swainson’s Thrush, Lazuli Bunting, Black Rosy-finch, Pine Grosbeak, Red Crossbill. Handicap accessible.

Silver Lake Boardwalk

A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

**Local's recommendation:** This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 9675 ft

**Lowest point:** 8766 ft

**Best time of year:** May - October

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

- Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
- Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
- Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Long ride. Fast descents. **Cons:** Often busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** Not Required **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 11.40 mi (18.35 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 9,732 ft (2,966 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 850 ft (259 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** One-way/Shuttle |
| --- | --- |

The Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail near Salt Lake City is consistently ranked among Utah's top mountain bike trails, but it also easily measures up against as one of the America's best mountain bike rides. You won’t get very far down the trail before you realize why.

Wasatch Crest Mountain Bike Trail

1.75 mi/2.8 km one-way — This hike starts at Brighton Resort, 15 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the signs west of the general store for the meadow path to Silver Lake.When you reach Silver Lake, continue to the right along the north shore. About halfway around the lake, on the northwest side, the trail splits; take the right-hand fork. When the trail splits again, follow the posted signs for a gradual climb to Lake Solitude, a tiny lake in a tree-lined bowl. Take along a picnic and a camera.

Silver Lake/Lake Solitude

Padel is the fastest growing sport in the world! Making its target Olympic debut in 2032 Played by 35 million around the world, padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport globally. It combines elements of tennis and pickleball on a smaller enclosed court, making it easy to learn and incredibly fun. Now it is arriving in Utah, and your child can be among the first to learn and master this exciting new sport at Padel Park. Junior High to High School athletes.

Padel Park

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