Hike To Brighton Lakes In Utah, Then Reward Yourself With A Bison Burger From The Silver Lake Lodge

Any hike to a lake in Utah is lovely, but there's something special about the trail to Brighton Lakes in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Maybe it's the potential for seeing a mouse, the trailhead location that's only 31 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, or the opportunity to recreate at a popular ski resort outside of the traditional time frame. In any case, the surroundings are striking, especially at any of the four lakes you can visit during the full hike of a 4.5-mile round trip. There are options to turn around at any of the lakes, depending on how much of an appetite you wish to create for a stop at Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant. That's where a half-pound bison burger can reward your efforts.

Brighton Lakes

The climb from Lake Martha to Lake Catherine at 9,960 feet is short, steep, and definitely worthwhile.

Before or after hiking to higher lakes, a trip around Silver Lake near the Brighton Ski Resort parking lot is always enjoyable.

The placid waters of Lake Mary and other Brighton Lakes contrast with the rugged landscape.

There's no guarantee of seeing a moose along the trail, but it is always a possibility.

Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant

Is this burger alone worth the trip up Big Cottonwood Canyon? Yes. The hike to the Brighton Lakes also helps justify the calories and adds to the experience.

The deck is an ideal place to spend an afternoon, winding down after a hike.

Some of the interior beams of Silver Fork Lodge are incorporated from 19th-century construction.

Park at the Brighton Ski Resort to start your hike, and then drive three miles down Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Silver Fork Lodge and Restaurant. The establishment has some fascinating history to go with a great menu. And there are a lot of other great hikes in the two Cottonwood Canyons.