• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Urban Bliss Life logo

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • contact
  • shop
  • cookbooks
  • cooking classes
  • resources
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Air Fryer Recipes
    • Appetizer Recipes
    • Asian recipes
    • Bread Recipes
    • Breakfast Recipes
    • Cookie Recipes
    • Dairy-free Recipes
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Entertaining Recipes
    • Filipino Recipes
    • Gluten-Free Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Instant Pot Recipes
    • 5 Ingredients
    • Kid-Friendly Recipes
    • Main Dish Recipes
    • Make-Ahead Recipes
    • Pasta Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Snack Recipes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Seafood Recipes
    • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cocktail Recipes
    • Dog Treats
  • Wine
    • Oregon Wine Guide
    • Washington Wine
    • California Wine
    • Food and Wine Pairing
    • Wine Country
    • Wine Tips & Wine Pairings
  • Travel
    • Europe
      • Greece
      • Ireland
      • Italy
      • Liechtenstein
      • The Netherlands
      • Switzerland
      • The UK (United Kingdom)
    • Canada
    • USA travel
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Montana
      • Nevada
      • New Mexico
      • New York
      • Oregon Travel Ideas
      • Utah
      • Washington
      • New Orleans
    • Travel Gear
    • Japan
    • Travel Tips
    • Hotels
    • Family Travel
  • Restaurants
  • About
    • Work With Urban Bliss Life
    • Press
    • Contact
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Fall Recipes
  • All Recipes
  • Cookbooks
  • About
  • Work With Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Urban Bliss Life » Travel » Utah » Best Park City, Utah Hikes: The Silver Lake Trail

    Published: September 27, 2016 / Updated: May 28, 2022 by Marlynn Jayme Schotland · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Best Park City, Utah Hikes: The Silver Lake Trail

    82 shares

    If you're looking for one of the best Park City, Utah hikes, the Silver Lake Trail will not disappoint. It's an incredible summer experience for the whole family that offers a reward of stunning views at the top of Bald Mountain. 

    Park City, Utah hikes - Hiking the Silver Lake Trail on UrbanBlissLife.com

    One of my favorite activities that my son and I did during our long weekend in Park City, Utah this summer was the guided hike from Deer Valley Resort.

    On our first morning in Park City, after experiencing the rush of the Alpine Coaster at Park City Mountain and settling in for a good night's rest at The Chateaux, we walked across the street to Silver Lake Village at Deer Valley Resort. There, we met up with our guide, Leslie, and began our hike up the mountain.

    lodge with forest

    It's important to note the difference in elevation of hikes in Park City, Utah compared to where you and I live. The city of Portland, Oregon is a mere 50 feet above sea level; I live on Bull Mountain, which has an elevation of 710 feet.

    By comparison, Silver Lake Lodge is at the base altitude of 6,570 feet in Park City. The slope of Bald Mountain, the end of our hike, is approximately 9,200 feet above sea level, while the very top is a little more than 11,000 feet in elevation.

    The start of the Silver Lake Trail hike is heavily forested, which made me feel right at home.

    Best Park City, Utah hikes - forest on Silver Lake Trail

    Part of what makes the Silver Lake Trail one of the best Park City, Utah hikes is that it's a foot-traffic-only trail, which is nice if you're visiting and want a calmer, leisurely hike uninterrupted by the throngs of mountain bikers in the area. You can choose to take the Sterling Express ski lift up the mountain, and then hike down, or you can do what we did and hike up the mountain and take the ski lift back down.

    forest on Silver Lake trail near Park City, Utah

    What's great about a guided hike while traveling, is that you get to hear a lot about the history and the people of the area from your guide. Our guide was very informed about the historic mining town of Park City and all of the recent advancements in the mountain resorts, and she was also very attune to our hiking abilities and allowed us to stop and take photos or water breaks whenever we needed them.

    two people hiking the Silver Lake Trail near Park City, Utah

    Depending on where you search for information, this Park City, Utah hike is listed as an easy beginner's hike to a moderate level hike. You should know that it is approximately a short 2.5 mile hike one way, but if you're hiking uphill, it can take an hour to two hours. It's a steep uphill hike the entire way, with a few rocky switchbacks and a few nice "breathing room" vistas in clearings that are more level. And remember: you'll need to adjust your expectations and hike to adjust to the higher altitude.

    fallen logs on Silver Lake Trail near Park City, Utah

    One of the things I loved most about this hike is that just when you're feeling tired and out of breath, there's a clearing, and each clearing offers you more stunning views than the clearing before it. The Jordanelle Reservoir slowly comes into view and, in the distance and as you go higher up the mountain, you begin to see the Uinta Mountains.

    I'll let the photos speak for themselves. Here are a few photos from different vista points up the mountain.

    grassy clearing near forest on Silver Lake Trail
    breathtaking view atop Silver Lake Trail near Park City, Utah
    people hiking the Silver Lake Trail near Park City, Utah
    best Park City, Utah hikes - people hiking Silver Lake Trail
    Hiking the Silver Lake Trail in Park City, Utah, on UrbanBlissLife.com
    Hiking the Silver Lake Trail in Park City, Utah, on UrbanBlissLife.com

    Bald Mountain

    Park City Utah Hikes - Bald Mountain

    After several tight switchbacks and some rockier terrain, we made it to the top.

    landscape atop Bald Mountain near Park City, Utah

    The views at the top were an amazing reward for the hike we just did. Here, you could see all of the Jordanelle Reservoir, Park City, and the surrounding Uinta Mountains.

    SO. BEAUTIFUL.

    I was pretty darn proud of my son for completing the steep hike up without any complaints. Although he did mention several times after the hike how it's a good thing his sister wasn't on that hike, because she "would have been complaining the whole time."

    I think this hike is great for adults and children who are probably 9 and older. It might be too dangerous for the little ones.

    One of the coolest finds at the top of the mountain are these old, out of commission towers. The stark white structures are such a contrast against the bright blue skies and the rugged nature surrounding them.

    Hiking the Silver Lake Trail in Park City, Utah, on UrbanBlissLife.com

    At the top, it's easy to marvel at the surrounding mountains across the whole area. Our guide shared some fascinating old stories about some of the mountains passed down from generations. I'd share them here, but likely would get the details incorrect, so you'll have to go on a guided hike for yourself someday and hear the stories in person!

    Hiking the Silver Lake Trail in Park City, Utah, on UrbanBlissLife.com

    We could have marveled at these beautiful sights all day, but alas, there was more exploring to do in Park City during our 3-day stay. We hopped onto the Sterling Express ski lift and soaked up the views a final time while going down the mountain. Park City Utah Hikes: Hiking the Silver Lake Trail

    Tips for travelers

    Being from Oregon and having years of casual hiking experience under my belt, I have to say that I was not fully prepared for the altitude shift that comes with hiking in Park City. Whether you are a novice hiker or an experienced one, here are some tips for hiking in Park City, Utah:

    • Wear comfortable hiking shoes or athletic shoes with a decent grip, since the terrain is steep, rocky in many places, and uneven.
    • Bring two water bottles with you.
    • Remember to take full deep breaths throughout your entire hike, especially if you are not used to hiking at a similar high elevation.
    • Stop as many times as you need to catch your breath, stretch your legs, and hydrate. The views are gorgeous anyway, so take advantage of the changing vistas as you climb in elevation!
    • Don't pack a heavy bag, but do wear a lightweight backpack or waist pack that has your ID, fully charged cell phone + portable charger and cord, whistle, granola bar/nuts, and compass (in case your phone dies and you can't use the compass app).
    • Lather up with sunscreen: even on overcast days, you'll need it. Remember you're at a higher elevation, and UV rays will still get you on overcast days.
    • Use one of the resort's complimentary hiking poles to help you navigate the steep hikes.
    box of hiking sticks

    Hike the Silver Lake Trail

    Start at Deer Valley Resort
    2250 Deer Valley Drive South
    Park City, UT 84060
    800-424-3337
    435-649-1000
    DeerValley.com

    More Park City travel ideas

    Family Adventures at Park City Mountain

    Where to Stay in Park City: The Chateaux

    Many thanks to Deer Valley Resort and Visit Park City for the complimentary guided hike. As always, all opinions and photos are my own. I loved this hiking experience and think the photos speak for themselves as to the beauty of this hike! 

    « Best Pizza in Vancouver WA: Rally Pizza
    Feast Portland Wines 2016 »
    82 shares

    Get recipes, travel tips, deals and more delivered to your inbox!

      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Dennis says

        March 03, 2020 at 1:04 pm

        Great Story ..where did you find your guide for the Silver Lake Trail?
        Dennis

        Reply
      2. Mama Munchkin (@globalmunchkins) says

        September 30, 2016 at 1:07 pm

        I LOVE this!! My family loves to be out in nature BUT we have no experience so when it comes to things like hiking I usually pass unless we are traveling with someone who knows what they are doing. I have never thought about hiking with a guide- GENIUS!! I love Park City and you have me Jones'in to go ;)

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          October 05, 2016 at 4:55 pm

          It's so nice to have a guide in new places, and I'm so grateful for places that offer this service!

      3. Marci says

        September 29, 2016 at 1:02 pm

        Stopping by from SITS. Looks gorgeous! We are heading to Utah this winter to ski. Love it there!

        Reply
        • Marlynn Jayme Schotland says

          October 05, 2016 at 4:58 pm

          Thanks for stopping by, Marci! Oddly enough, I've only been to Utah during the summer. I really need to get there for ski season too!

      4. Vet Leow says

        September 28, 2016 at 12:45 am

        The view and the landscape is so so beautiful! I love to go for such nature hikes too during my travels....Thank you for your handy tips! :)

        Reply
      5. Catherine says

        September 27, 2016 at 6:48 pm

        You make a very good point about the altitude! I once went trail running in Boulder, CO, and was shocked at how much air I was sucking! Haha

        Reply
      6. RAZ says

        September 27, 2016 at 6:04 pm

        Awww I miss Park City! ? Can't wait to go back there.

        Reply
      7. Pech says

        September 27, 2016 at 2:51 pm

        Guided hikes are awesome in getting extra stories and details pointed out I would not know otherwise just trying to physically do the activity, it's such a great way to get both exercise and learn about the area

        Reply

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

      Primary Sidebar

      Marlynn Jayme Schotland 2021 profile pic

      Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I'm Marlynn - a cookbook author, writer, photographer, and mom of two teenagers + a lovable lab retriever. Here you'll find my fast, easy, and delicious recipes, wine pairings, and travel guides. I hold a WSET 2 with Distinction in wine, and am a member of Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Food, Wine, and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA).

      More about me →

      Featured In

      Urban Bliss Life Press Featured In graphic

      Dads & Grads Recipes

      • BBQ bacon burger
        BBQ Bacon Burger
      • honey garlic chicken skewers
        Grilled Honey Garlic Chicken Skewers
      • closeup photo of air fryer corn ribs stacked on top of one another with drizzled mayo and chopped cilantro.
        Air Fryer Corn Ribs
      • closeup of Filipino BBQ pork skewers with cilantro leaves
        Filipino Pork BBQ

      New Recipes

      • white basmati rice in a blue bowl on green plate.
        Instant Pot Basmati Rice
      • Thai basil beef with red peppers, green onions, and white rice.
        Thai Basil Beef
      • plate of Instant Pot country style ribs and mashed potatoes with herbs.
        Instant Pot Country Style Ribs
      • glass of white wine next to a bowl of cajun shrimp pasta with title text that reads "Best wine and pasta pairings."
        Best Wine with Pasta

      New Travel Tips

      • photos of Depoe Bay, Cannon Beach, Tillamook Oregon with title text that reads "Best Oregon Coast Towns."
        Best Oregon Coast Towns
      • photos of waterfalls, vineyard grapes, haystack rock at cannon beach, and mount hood with title text that reads 35+ day trips from Portland, Oregon.
        35+ Day Trips from Portland
      • glass of red wine next to a bottle of Bells Up Winery pinot noir.
        Bells Up Winery
      • The Prayer Hall of Wat Chalong temple in Phuket, Thailand.
        Wat Chalong Temple
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Pinterest
      • Instagram
      • YouTube

      Footer

      ↑ back to top

      logos of media outlets that have featured urban bliss life.

      Recipes

      • 30-Minute Meals
      • 5-Ingredients
      • Air Fryer
      • Asian
      • Dairy-Free
      • Pasta
      • Seafood

      About

      • About
      • FAQs
      • Privacy & Accessibility Policy
      • Terms & Conditions

      Contact

      • Contact
      • Work with me

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
      Copyright © 2022 Urban Bliss Life

      All rights reserved. You may not use any photos or recipes on this site for any personal or commercial use without my express written permission.