Spring Backpacking Trip

[Dave B.]

I am looking to take some scouts on an early spring backpacking trip in the Wastach front area May 15-16. I was wondering if anyone know how Silver Lake up American Fork Canyon is looking snow wise.

 

[Mike K]

The trail is snow free to Silver Lake. Here's a picture of what the area looked like on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

 

[Dave B.]

Great feedback. If we decide to hike in, where is a good campsite?

The trail is snow free to Silver Lake. Here's a picture of what the area looked like on Saturday, May 2, 2015.

View attachment 30206

 

[Mike K]

Hmm...I'm not sure off the top of my head. We saw scouts camped near the outlet/waterfall on some rare flat ground. I don't know if this area requires you to be x number of feet from the water or trail though. Maybe someone else will chime in. You could also check out the topo of the area or satellite imagery to see if you can find other flat area in the area. Sorry...not very helpful. =)

 

[Mike K]

Oh, and I was going to say...I think I've seen Scout groups up there every Saturday I've hiked to the lake. So you might have competition. ??

 

[andyjaggy]

It's a very popular spot for scouts, I see groups every time I go up there. There are some spots to camp on the south side of the lake, but not a ton of them.

 

[WasatchWill]

I haven't been up there since a buddy and I went up about 14 years ago. Wow...can't believe it's been that long already!!! Anyway, I remember camping somewhere along the eastern edge not more than a hundred feet from the shore, but probably wasn't adequate for a group. The lake was surrounded by at least 2 or 3 other scout groups that night. As others have said, I imagine it would be harder to find a site suitable for a group with the presence of other groups than it would be to find a spot for just a single person or two. There are plenty of other worthy places to backpack along the Wasatch that likely wouldn't have such a crowd. You just may have to forfeit a lake side camp with fishing opportunities. Obviously, scouts love to fish, as do I and many others here on BCP, but I find that if you want to get away from crowds and have a better selection of campsites, especially on weekends, you have to hike away from the popular fishing and swimming holes.