Silver Lake is located up the Tibble Fork section of American Fork Canyon off the Alpine Loop Road. It's easy to find. Take Timpanogos Highway east from I-15 in Lehi, enter American Fork Canyon (Alpine Loop Road) and turn left when you get to Tibble Fork. At Tibble Fork, turn left and then at Granite Flat Campground turn right and follow the road to the trailhead. There are clear signs marking the way.

A friend of mine who I view as a very good photographer invited me to go on a fall hike to Silver Lake as an opportunity to teach me more about photography. The colors were amazing and the contrast of fall leaves with evergreen trees, surrounding clifs, and the clear blue sky proved a perfect day to hone my skills and eye for photography.

We stopped at Tibble Fork Reservoir on the way to take a few shots as mist rose off the lake before continuing to the Silver Lake Flat Reservoir trailhead. There are nice modern pit toilets at the trailhead for your convenience.

Silver Lake Trail

The trail to the lake is not too long, but it is a good strong upward climb to the lake—climbing from just below 7600 feet (2316 m) at the trailhead to about 9000 feet (2743 m) at the lake. The trail can seem as difficult for hikers that aren't used to quick elevation gains. You'll cross Silver Creek a couple of times and there are several switchbacks along the way. Take your time and don't rush and you'll get there alright. Stop and enjoy the awesome views of American Fork Canyon as you make progress towards the lake. It's a popular trail, so there will probably be hikers faster and slower than you. Enjoy the journey!

The lake sits in a bowl surrounded by steep mountainous terrain. This is one of the lakes in Utah where you can fish for Arctic Grayling. Scout groups are commonly found up here on weekends.

I'll have to come back just for the fishing sometime.