Holbrook Canyon Trail

The Trail

We didn't make it to the end, but the portion of this pleasantly shady moderate trail we did transverse was 3.1 miles long (one way) with about a 1,508 ft elevation change. Hikers are supposed to be able to reach the ridge to the east from this trail, but some say that the trail is extremely difficult to follow that far and nearly disappears. I have read elsewhere though that it is about 5 miles to the ridge. We found the trail overall became rougher and more overgrown as we went, but it was still clear at the point at which we turned around. Pants are recommended.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail starts at the south end of the parking lot and is clearly labeled. The trail at the north east side of the lot is the North Holbrook Route Trail, so unless that is the trail you are looking for, don't take that one. 

Sign at front of parking lot

Sign marking the Holbrook Canyon Trail

The Holbrook Canyon trail starts with a descent through an opening in a chain link fence. At the bottom of the descent is the creek, which the trail more or less follows up the canyon. The first part of the trail is marked by many bridge or log crossings over the creek, which can flow pretty high at times in the spring. This first section of the trail is popular for visitors of all sorts, including families.

This trail remains pretty kid friendly until about 1.8 miles up, at which point the trail becomes a bit confusing. If the water is low, the easiest way past this point is to simply walk through the shallow water or on top of the rocks.

The easiest way through this section is to follow the creek,
walking through the shallow water and/or stepping on the
larger stones here.

The marked trail in this spot actually ascends a very steep slick section of hill, heads along a more level section, then descends back down closer to the creek.

This picture probably doesn't show it's
character adequately, but this is the steep
path up around the water.

Path back down toward the creek,
marked by colored ribbon

The trail beyond this point is obviously less used, and it continues to become more overgrown as you go. Especially if you intend to go further than this, it is recommended you wear pants to avoid brushes with stinging nettle and the frequently reported rattlesnakes that are difficult to hear over the flow of the creek.

Head up as far as desired before turning back. Dogs and horses are permitted on this trail. Restrooms are available at the trailhead.

Directions

This trail is located in Bountiful, Utah, which is in Davis County. To get there from I-15, take Exit 317 and (continue straight on 500 W if you are coming from the north, then) turn east onto 400 North. Continue on this street toward the mountains and as the road curves around to become Bountiful Blvd and heads south. Keep going a short ways past the temple to find the trailhead parking on your left. GPS Coordinates: N40° 52.909' W111° 50.681'

Silver and Silver Glance Lakes

The Trail
This difficult trail 3.2 miles long (one way) with a 2,320 ft elevation change if you hike all the way to Silver Glance Lake. However, if you stop at Silver Lake, the trail is only a moderate 2.4 miles long (one way) with a 1400 foot elevation change. It starts at Silver Lake Flat and has a pretty steady gradual climb all the way up to Silver Lake, after which it becomes significantly steeper. The first roughly 1/3 of the trail heads through a forested area that is well shaded. After that the trail heads up past the tree cover into more open slopes.

Topographical Map for Silver & Silver Glance Lakes

Topographical Map for just Silver Lake

Graph of Elevation (for both lakes)

Trail in Google Earth

There are two trails branching from the same trailhead here. The one on the left goes to Silver Lake.

Head left at the trailhead

It will not take long to get to the first stream crossing, but some strategically placed logs create a little bridge over the water here.

First stream crossing

The second stream crossing is much wider and does not have any sort of bridge. This crossing is marked by a blue flag on the topographical map above. Later in the summer and in the fall, the water does not go over all the rocks, so they create stepping stones here across the stream. However, in the spring (as shown in the picture below), you will most likely get your feet wet since the water flows right over most of the rocks.

The second stream crossing where there is no bridge

There are some nice views of the surrounding mountains as you head up, as well as some great views of the valley after you get up higher.

View of mountains from the trail

View of the valley from the trail

Wild geraniums growing along the trail

As the trail winds around the final switchbacks up to Silver Lake, a waterfall flowing down from the lake is visible.

Waterfall plummeting down from Silver Lake

Another angle of the waterfall

After reaching the lake, there is a trail that circles its circumference. Part of this trail is shown in red in the topographical map above (but this section is not included in the trail length or elevation change information). When hiking this toward the later part of June, there was still snow along on of the banks of the lake, and other sections of this trail were very muddy, which would have made it difficult to go all the way around. The trail is drier and clearer later in the year.

If you want to go down to the water, the most easily accessible spots for this is found if you head south (left) upon reaching the lake. There is a sort of beach area here.

Beach-like area on southeast side of lake

You can also find the outlet on this side of the lake where the water pours over the edge of the cliff creating the waterfall seen from the trail.

Top of the waterfall

I am not a fisher, but a lot of people enjoy fishing from this lake as well. During the warmer months, it is popular for swimming and camping.

Most people stop at Silver Lake, but if you have time and energy, you can continue a steeper climb that gains about 900 feet in less than a mile to get to Silver Glance Lake. The trail continue up is on the east side of the lake near where the trail coming up to Silver Lake arrives at the lake.

Trail heading up to Silver Glance Lake

Soon before Silver Glance Lake, the trail flattens out into a small rocky meadow before continue up just a short ways more and reaching the lake. There is also a camp site here.

Rocky Meadow before reaching the lake

Silver Glance Lake with White Baldy in background

Campsite at Silver Glance Lake

Looking Toward Red Baldy

When you finish at the lake and head back, you will be further rewarded with stunning views of Silver Lake below and Mount Timpanogos in the distance.

This trail is open to dogs and horses, but not bicycles. Also, be aware that trailers are not allowed up the dirt road leading to the trailhead. There are vault toilets available at the trailhead.

Directions
This trail is located in Utah County up American Fork Canyon. To get to the trailhead from I-15, take Exit 184 and head east on Timpanogos Highway/UT-92. You will continue up this road into American Fork Canyon. There is a fee to go up the canyon and use this area. Turn left when you reach UT-144 in order to go toward Tibble Fork Reservoir. This turn is well marked on the road. Toward the east end of Tibble Fork Reservoir, turn left on the the road heading to the Granite Flat Campground. Before the pay station for the campground, there is a dirt road to the right. Turn up this road and drive about 3 miles to the trailhead parking area at the north end of Silver Lake Flat Reservoir. Note that this parking lot fills up on busy days, so you may have to park along the road or in the first parking area for the reservoir. Also note that trailers are not permitted on this dirt road. The dirt road is maintained though so that 4WD is not required to get up it, but it can still be narrow and bumpy. Drive up it carefully and you should be fine. GPS Coordinates: N40° 30.431' W111° 39.375'