Stop by SIX different lakes and mountain peak that overlooks them.
Having spent most of our time hiking going down Parleys Canyon and through Salt Lake, we wanted to try some hikes a bit closer to our (temporary) home.
After enjoying our hikes to Lake Blanche and Red Pine Lake, we were eager to explore more alpine lakes. With a little bit of research, we discovered that the Brighton Lakes Loop would allow us to see at least five different lakes in a single hike.
Per the usual, we began at about 7 AM, but the primary difference this round was that the parking area was huge as it doubles as a ski resort in the winter months.
Our hike began by heading north on a paved road towards Silver Lake. Less than five minutes into our hike, we saw some deer chomping on nearby vegetation. We'd then shift left into the Silver Lake parking area. Here, you'll find a boardwalk with several informational signs about the ecosystem along the way. At sunrise, with no wind, this lake was absolutely stunning.
After viewing Silver lake at the water lake, the hike began an upward climb toward Twin Lakes. As you head up, you'll get another perspective of Silver Lake from above and the views really start to open up.
From here, you'll start the steepest incline of the trail along some rocky terrain. Before long, you'll stop a cement dam up ahead at the southeast side of the Twin Lakes Reservoir. The dam certainly takes away from the appearance of "nature,"but as you walk about the lake, it becomes no different than then other lakes on the trail.
From Twin Lakes, you'll head south and the trail becomes very diverse, traversing under ski lifts and through a wooded area. The trail has both incline and decline during this part, but the blockbuster of this trail is just ahead.
The trail brings you out at the north end of Lake Mary, providing some of the most beautiful views of the hike. This lake has rocky shores and even some small rock islands. Many hikers use this as a pit stop to rest and take in the views.
The trail takes you a roundabout way along the lake, down past a small wooden shelter and along the base of a dam. Eventually the trail reconnects you to the shores of Lake Mary.
Hiking along the southeast side of Lake Mary, you'll pass some granite cliffs on the way to the next lake. Eventually, you'll approach Lake Martha, recessed a couple hundred feet from the trail. This lake couldn't be more different from Lake Mary, surrounded in grass and trees rather than granite.
The trail again starts to incline and you'll get an elevated view of Lake Martha. After passing through a small wooded area, the trail cuts right, creating a loop around Lake Catherine.
From here, the trail becomes a bit of "choose your own adventure"as the trail guide will continue to lead you up an incline, away from the lake. The intent here is to get hikers to a view of the lakes below. From this spot, we saw silhouettes of hikers atop Sunset Peak and were naturally pulled to join them.
You'll hike up a steep incline, then back down, and back up once again. There are spots where the dirt is extremely soft and adds to the difficult of the hike. Eventually, you'll reach the peak and have incredible views of not only the lakes, but 360 degree views all around you.
After snapping a few photos, we made our way back down the mountain. There are a couple of different routes back down to the Lakes Loop Trail. After descending the trail, you'll be at the base of Lake Catherine.
After exploring the shores of Lake Catherine, you'll pass along a thin trail at the south side of the Lake. From here, you'll begin to descend the trail towards the final lake. As the trail again intersects with Lake Mary, you'll notice the crowds begin to build and your pace is likely to slow down.
After crossing a small bridge, you'll cut to the right and head towards Dog Lake. This lake is a bit different from the balance in that you can't exactly access the shoe due to the vegetation and swampy-ness surrounding it. It's also tough to get an incline view of the lake.
From here, you'll continue to descend the trail. You'll pass beneath several ski lifts and then eventually return to the parking lot.
This hike was undoubtedly one of my favorites. The scenery was diverse, you see several different lakes, and the trail does feel all that difficult (aside from the Sunset Peak portion). Eager to try this loop during different seasons..
Know Before You Go
Swimming is not allowed in any of the Brighton Lakes.
Bugs can be present at the lakes, so I would recommend bug protection.
While there are shaded portions, most of the hike is exposed to the sun, bring hats and sunblock.
Resources
Video
Location
The Brighton Resort is found along Route 224, not far from Deer Valley/Park City. The roads can be small and rather winding at points, so definitely pay attention while driving these roads. Parking is plentiful at the resort, but a lot easier early in the morning.
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