Big Cottonwood Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake City Valley. Get there by taking I-215 to the east, taking exit 6 off the interstate and heading east.

Follow 6200 South which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stop light and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon.

Turn left at the light and reset your odometer.

Drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon 14 miles to the small community of Brighton. At the loop, go right, with Brighton Ski resort just ahead. Parking in the large parking lot near the main Brighton Ski Resort Building.

To Lake Mary (1.25 miles one way)
From the Brighton parking lot, go just right (south) of the main Brighton building. A path leads up the slope, then heads right and passes between large logs to become a single narrower track. The single track switchbacks up the hillside, crossing under the ski lifts, before heading more south. After a short steep section. The junction to Dog Lake is reached. Dog Lake is a recommended side trip and takes only a few minutes. At the intersection to Clayton Peak, stay right for Dog Lake.

From the Dog Lake junction, it is a couple of minutes to the Lake Mary/Twin Lakes junction. If you are planning on just going to Lake Mary and returning the same way, got left. Lake Mary is less than 5 minutes from the junction.

If you are planning on the more extended return via Twin Lakes, go right here.

Twin Lakes Return (2.8 miles from the junction back to the trailhead)
From the Lake Mary/Twin Lakes junction, the trail works up past an old wooden building, then to the shores of Lake Mary. There are several excellent rock outcrops for a break or lunch here.

From Lake Mary, the Twin Lakes trail contours along staying relatively flat for 1.2 miles to Twin Lakes. At the reservoir for Twin Lakes, follow the road down, then left (west) to pick up the main trail back. The trail descends to Silver Lake with two junctions. Both are signed, go right at both. From the Silver Lake Parking lot, it is a 5-minute road walk back to Brighton.