Hike of the week: 5 lakes loop at Brighton — Big Cottonwood Canyon

At Silver Lake, take the boardwalk on the right side of the information center. After you cross the bridge, take the trail going left. At the first trail post, go right for Twin Lakes. Watch for the junction to Twin Lakes, which will be on the left. When you see Twin Lakes Dam, go to the right to visit the lake. When leaving, take the service road below the dam and up to the other side. At the top of the service road, look for the unmarked trail directly across from the dam and take it. The trail smooths out, then drops below the chairlift into a boulder field. As you cross the boulders, listen to the water flowing beneath your feet. You leave the boulders and the trail switchbacks in conifers to Lake Mary. At 2.3 miles, you arrive at Lake Mary. Make your way below the dam to the other side of it. Take a needed break at the lake and continue up the trail. After passing by Lake Martha, the trail switchbacks. Near the top of the first switchback, watch for a smaller, unmarked trail going down to Dog Lake. At the junction go right for the lake. When leaving Dog Lake, backtrack down to the main trail junction. At the junction sign, check out the water rushing over the boulders and continue down to the Brighton Center. Hike the road back to Silver Lake to complete your loop. This hike rocks!

Directions: Drive to the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon to Brighton and park at Silver Lake.Destination Lake views

Difficulty Moderate

Round trip miles 5 miles

Hiking time 3 to 4 hours

Accumulative gain 1,050 feet

Trailhead restrooms Yes

Dogs allowed No

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