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

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

Glide in our winter wonderland. Solitude’s Nordic & Snowshoe Center is one of the best-kept secrets. Explore twenty kilometers of pristine trails through some of Utah’s most stunning terrain. Easily accessible from the Solitude Village, the center has both classic and skate styles of Nordic skiing.

Solitude Nordic Center

Alta’s finest luxury resort, the Snowpine Lodge, provides guests with the best ski-in/ski-out access, world class dining, rejuvenating mountain spa, and views that take your breath away during every season. Built in 1938, the historical Snowpine Lodge was the first ski lodge in Little Cottonwood canyon, home of both Alta and Snowbird ski resorts, and the "Greatest Snow on Earth”. The Snowpine Lodge was completely rebuilt in 2017/2018, adding numerous amenities desired by every guest, including a full-service restaurant, full-service bar, outdoor pool and hot tub, indoor grotto, game room, and ballroom. Cozy room accommodations range from family suites to private rooms to dorm style lodging

Snowpine Lodge

Experience Alta's finest in cuisine and service, while enjoying magnificent views. Winter: lunch and dinner served daily.“Inviting feeling of home with spectacular views, sumptuous breakfast and gourmet dinner. For those who like to be pampered…, this is the place to stay." Remote and Luxurious Ski Resorts,

The Rustler Lodge Dining Room

Renowned cuisine in a romantic alpine setting. Open from June through September for [Saturday lunch](http://altalodge.com/brunch/index.php?parent=105&subnav=244) and [Sunday Brunch](http://altalodge.com/brunch/index.php?parent=105&subnav=125).

[Weddings](http://altalodge.com/weddings/index.php?parent=93), receptions, [conferences](http://altalodge.com/conferences/index.php?parent=88) and retreats in a beautiful mountain setting.

Alta Lodge Restaurant

There are few precious places in the world like [Alta](https://www.alta.com/), an independently owned ski area since 1938. From its humble roots tied to Utah’s rugged silver mining era, Alta Ski Area emerged as a stellar powder skiing destination. Nestled at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon deep in the Wasatch mountains, Alta is a skiers-only mountain. With an annual snowfall average of 548 inches, powder days at Alta are a way of life.

Come for the skiing. Stay for the skiing.

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/)

Alta Ski Area

One of the best hikes for families with children - a great nature walk. Short, not too steep, and with a beautiful pay off at the end in the form of an unusual waterfall.

Donut Falls Trail

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

Solitude Mountain Resort has something to offer skiers and riders of all abilities with an average of 500” of annual snowfall, 1,200 acres of incredible terrain, 77 named runs, three bowls, a Nordic Center, Snowsports Academy, snowshoeing as well as some of the most impressive off-piste terrain in the country. 

Solitude Mountain Resort

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