Silver Lake (Big Cottonwood)
Brighton, Utah
0.1 miles W of Brighton, Utah
This hike has everything. The trail passes by three bodies of water and winds through beautiful woodland areas. Wildlife is in abundance. Everything from chipmunks to moose can be observed along the trail. The trail features plenty of shady, wooded areas as well as sunny, open stretches from which to enjoy the area's spectacular views. This trail makes for the perfect evening hike.
The trail's elevation gain is significant and takes place within only 1/4 - 1/3 of the trail's total length. However, hiking the trail in a counter-clockwise direction (Lake Solitude Leg first) will provide the least strenuous climb, as the climb in this direction is not quite as steep and the trail condition is much better. For a real workout, hike the trail in the clockwise direction (Twin Lakes Leg first).
ADVISORIES: Lake Solitude leg of the trail is frequented by mountain bikers. No dogs are allowed anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Insect repellent is highly recommended.
Silver Lake Trail
- Length: 2.2 miles round trip
- Difficulty: easy to moderate
Silver Lake Loop
- Length: 3.95
- Difficulty: strenuous
Provo Canyon
Provo, Utah
7.6 miles N of Provo, UtahProvo Canyon is a canyon located in unincorporated Utah County, Utah, USA and Wasatch County, Utah. Provo Canyon splits between Mount Timpanogos on the north and Mount Cascade on the south. The canyon extends from Orem on the west end to Heber City on the east. The canyon's main thoroughfare is U.S. Route 189. Attractions in Provo Canyon include Vivian Park and Bridal Veil Falls. The Heber Valley Historic Railroad operates passenger trains through the canyon. The Provo River has carved out the canyon over time along with the forces of erosion.
Meadow Hot Spring
Meadow, Utah
5.4 miles W of Meadow, UtahMeadow Hot Springs is one of Utah's most popular and unusual soaks — a trio of clear, geothermally warmed pools sitting right out in the open desert near the little town of Meadow, south of Fillmore. Formed by mineral-rich travertine, the pools are remarkably deep and clear, with comfortable temperatures and even a population of small aquarium-style fish darting through the water.
The three pools offer varying degrees of warmth, with the largest reaching pleasant soaking temperatures around 100 degrees. What sets Meadow apart is the depth: the main pool plunges as deep as 20 feet, clear enough to see straight down, which makes it a favorite for floating and a bit of careful diving. Simple fire pits on the banks add to the laid-back, come-as-you-are vibe.
Please note that Meadow Hot Springs sits on private property, and the landowners have generously kept it open to the public — typically for a small donation, with rules posted at the gate. Treat the place and the privilege with respect: follow the posted rules, pack out every bit of what you pack in, and be gracious, because access on private land can change at any time. It's worth checking current conditions before making the trip.
A safety note worth taking seriously: these pools are deep — up to 20 feet — with no lifeguards and no emergency services on site (the nearest are in Fillmore). Always test the water before getting in, know your swimming ability, keep a close eye on children, and never dive without being certain of the depth and what lies below.
Easy to reach yet wonderfully offbeat, Meadow Hot Springs is a quintessential Utah desert soak. Bring a swimsuit, a towel, a little cash for the donation, and your best Leave-No-Trace manners, and enjoy one of the state's most distinctive hot springs.