Conditions Right Now
Use sunset as your turnaround alarm.
Why Hike This
The boardwalk is what sets this apart. It circles the lake at 8,760 feet on raised planks that protect the wetland, so a wheelchair or a stroller covers the same ground as everyone else, and fishing piers branch off along the way. Moose feed in the willows here often enough that you should plan on seeing one and give it room. One rule catches people out: this is Salt Lake City watershed, so dogs are banned outright, not even allowed to wait in your car.
The Trail
Flat boardwalk loop, moose in the willows, wheelchair & stroller friendly, fishing dock.
Pack Loadout (Easy)
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, snacks, comfortable shoes.
Getting There
Make it a weekend: Redman Campground (Camping, 1 mi) · Albion Basin Campground (Camping, 3 mi) · Spruces Campground (Camping, 4 mi) · Tanners Flat Campground (Camping, 7 mi)
More hikes nearby: Lake Mary, Martha & Catherine (Hike, 0 mi) · Cecret Lake (Hike, 2 mi) · Donut Falls (Hike, 4 mi) · Lake Blanche (Hike, 7 mi)
Quick Answers
- How long is the Silver Lake Boardwalk hike?
- 0.9 miles round trip with 26 feet of elevation gain.
- How hard is Silver Lake Boardwalk?
- Easy. Kid rating: 5 out of 5.
- When should I hike Silver Lake Boardwalk?
- Best season: June-Oct.
- Why hike Silver Lake Boardwalk?
- It is one of the few mountain lakes in Utah that anyone can reach, regardless of mobility. A boardwalk loop runs the shoreline at 8,760 feet with fishing piers off the side, and there is a visitor center with restrooms at the trailhead. Leave the dog at home, since pets are banned in this watershed.