Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
720.00 ft (219.46 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.50 mi (4.02 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Twin Lakes Trail starts at the Silver Lake Visitor Center at the base of Brighton Ski Resort. You'll start by following the boardwalk to the right for quicker access to the trail, but the full loop to the left is short and worth the extra stroll. Once you reach the junction, the trail starts to climb and offers great views of Silver Lake from above. The trail can be rocky and uneven in sections, so be sure you have sturdy shoes and mind your step. 

You will hike your way up one of Brighton's ski runs before you reach the lake in about 1.25 miles. Two lakes were here before the dam was erected, but with the dam holding the water back, the lakes have flooded into one large reservoir. 

Nestled between Twin Lakes Pass on the west and Mount Evergreen to the north, the scenic area offers breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife viewing. If you visit in July or August, you'll likely catch the wildflowers in full bloom including showy daisy, Indian paintbrush, coneflower, and wild geranium.

Once you've had your fill of views, you can either head down the way you came or follow the trail along the lake across Twin Lakes Pass to Lake Solitude to make a loop.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Not Required

Pros

Short hike. Great views of the canyon. Wildflowers in summer.

Cons

Can be crowded.

Trailhead Elevation

8,760.00 ft (2,670.05 m)

Features

Bird watching
Wildlife
Big vistas
Wildflowers
Fishing

Typically multi-day

No

Location

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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