Utah is hiking heaven, and no matter what your skill level, there are beautiful trails for you to explore. Whether you are hiking with your younger or older family members, you will be able to find a great place to hike. We’re certain you will love each and every one of these lovely trails. Utah’s strikingly beautiful landscapes are unlike any other place in the country. There is a little-known hike in American Fork Canyon that includes several lakes, and if you can make it to one legendary steep summit climb in Utah, there’s a sword in a stone that’s straight out of The Legend of King Arthur at Silver Glance Lake. There is nothing quite like getting to live a fairy tale!

To reach the sword in the stone, you'll hike the Silver Glance Lake Trail through the Lone Peak Wilderness.
Patrick Schmitt/Alltrails
To find the trailhead, take Highway 92 up American Fork Canyon, then turn left toward North Fork. From there, Highway 144 will take you to Tibble Fork Reservoir. Take a right on the dirt road that takes you to Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. The trailhead is on the north end of the lake, and there's a parking lot right by the trail with plenty of parking.
Before you head out on this trail, make sure you're adequately prepared for its challenges.
Matthew Haynes/Alltrails
Alltrails rates this hike as difficult, and with a 2,395 gain in elevation in just 5.9 miles round-trip, you should expect some steep climbs. Bring plenty of water along, as well as some snacks to fuel your hike, and dress in layers to accommodate for rapid weather changes.
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan
You'll soon reach Silver Lake, which is where many hikers head back. Take a quick break to admire the scenery, then keep going to Silver Glance Lake — the payoff is worth the effort!
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan

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The trek up to Silver Glance Lake takes you up another 940 feet in just a half mile, and you'll encounter some steep terrain along the way.
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan
Silver Glance Lake is a little jewel tucked into a tiny basin, and you'll want to grab a little snack and catch your breath before you make the final ascent to the peak above.
Brandon Rasmussen/flickr
You're in for a real treat on this hike! The first two miles of the trail is fairly easy, and the scenery is absolutely stunning.
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan
Check out the Excalibur-style sword that's cemented right into the stone up here. No one is sure who put it there, or why, but there it is, looking like something straight out of The Legend of King Arthur.
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan
Give it your best effort — you're not likely to get this sword to budge... unless you're the true King of Great Britain, that is.
Photo Courtesy of The Cox Clan
Most people don't know that this sword even exists, and many won't be able to make this strenuous hike to the peak where it rests. If you're going to attempt this hike, make sure you're wearing sturdy hiking shoes, and that you're in good enough shape to tackle the elevation climb and boulder scrambling required. It's not recommended for children or anyone with heart or breathing issues.

A special thank you to The Cox Clan, who took this hike last fall and provided most of the photos in this article. Check out their Silver Glance Lake hike video to see the entire hike, and subscribe to the Cox Clan YouTube channel to see more Utah adventures.

Do you think that you’re up for the challenge of the Silver Glance Lake hike? It’s one of the biggest adventures that you can find in the state! If you’re going for it, please let us know about your plans in the comments section and tag the friends you’re going to take with you. If you have already had the chance to experience these trails, tell us what you thought and what suggestions you have for other hikers.

If you’re looking for more hikes around the Beehive State, you’ll definitely want to check out our ultimate bucket list of Utah waterfall hikes. There’s nothing as refreshing as a trip to the water in the warm months. Of course, in the wintertime, you will be amazed by the sight of frozen waterfalls.

If you want great benefits that major hiking fans will love, sign up for AllTrails+!

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More to Explore

Hiking in Utah

Danielle Schwartz | July 14, 2023

What are the most beautiful hikes in Utah?

The most beautiful hikes in Utah are amazing when you’re looking for an outdoor adventure with amazing views. Check them out!

Angels Landing Trail in Springdale

Navajo Loop and Queens Garden Trail in Bryce

Delicate Arch Trail in Moab

What are the best easy hikes in Utah?

The best easy hikes in Utah are great for a family day out. Whether you’re looking for a place to hike with older relatives or little ones, these walks are ideal.

The Zion Narrows Riverside Walk in Springdale

Sunset Point to Sunrise Point in Bryce

Landscape Arch Trail in Moab

What is the best challenging hike in Utah?

The Ridges of Albion Basin

The best challenging hike in Utah is made for experienced hikers. If you’ve been doing it for a while and are in great shape, head out on the exhilarating trail of The Ridges of Albion Basin near Sandy.

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Silver Glance Lake, Utah 84604, USA