With over 13 miles of Forest Service trails, there are plenty of trails to distance yourself from others. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. At the lake itself, take your time to travel the Alta and the Albion Basin are reached from the Salt Lake Valley by taking the 6200 South exit (Exit 6) off of I-215 and turning right (at the light) onto Wasatch Boulevard (SR 190). We love Alta! Great for beginners! This trail is heavily trafficked, but still very worthwhile. Please refer to Summer Trail Map for trailhead parking locations and trail descriptions >. We got to see the lake with light and the sunset on the way down. This lake is unique for the orange tinted rocks, many of which have almost rectangular prism shapes. Cecret Lake, Catherine’s Pass, Supreme Point and the Devil’s Castle Loop are some of the more popular hikes originating from the Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass Trailheads. Wildflower Hike In Albion Basin At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! The pass at the ridge is a beautiful spot with a rugged, alpine feel. Loved it! The flowers were in full bloom and we saw a moose as well! The hike is beautiful beyond belief!!! The Albion Basin wildflowers are Really good climb up to lake. The Upper Albion Meadows Trail connects to the Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass trailheads are perfect for intermediate hikers. Hiking in the Albion Basin, photography permit information, Alta Environmental Center Stewardship events, and summer trail maps for all of you Alta summer needs. Averaging 547” of snow each ski season, it takes a little while for the snow to melt and trails to dry. Always a fun one to do. Cecret Lake (40.5713401 Since 1938, Alta Ski Area has been a steward of Little Cottonwood Canyon, working to revegetate the mountains left barren from late-19th and early-20th century miners. Didn’t make it all the way up — trail got really thin and steep and I wasn’t feeling it. Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. At mile 1.9, the Catherine's Pass Trail ascends eastward. Loved the variations in scenery from rocky paths , boulders to forest dirt trails ending at cecret lake. In order to balance the number of visitors to Cecret Lake and the Albion Basin, Alta charges a fee for use of the Summer Road that accesses the Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass trailheads. It is a busier trail but still enjoyable. Albion Basin Campground (40.57639, -111.61278) The trail starts at the west side of the Albion Basin Campground, at the top of the Little Cottonwood Canyon Road. Gotta try this hike in July. These make for some sunny hiking trails through aspen trees. It reminds me of the Alps!!!! Length 3.6 miElevation gain 744 ftRoute type Out & back Access the Cecret Lake Trailhead following 1.4 miles on the Upper Albion Meadows Trail. Wildflower Hike In Albion Basin At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more! Yes, I have worked on it, or better, I have work to do [wink wink]. Albion Basin Alta, Utah After I enjoyed hiking in the Albion basin, if you make it up to the campground, then Cecret Lake is only 0.9 miles more, so of course I headed up to see the beautiful lake. Albion Basin is a place all locals to Utah should definitely hike in the Summer at least once in their lifetime! The Collins Gulch is one of the last trails to melt, often home to skiers seeking out summer turns well into July. Length 4.5 mi Elevation gain 1,213 ft Route type Out & Back Albion Basin hike to Cecret Lake in Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah (My Paris-Hilton Pose) I ran closer to the lake, asked him to snap a few shots while I twisted my body and stuck my boobs out. If you’re interested in staying in the area overnight, you’re in luck! we had the lake all to ourselves. Only complaint is that the top 1/4 (after a parking lot) was SOOOO busy! The Albion Basin Summer Road begins at the Albion Base Area parking. Consequently, first-time mountain bikers and newcomers to the Wasatch Front will likely feel the constricting effect on their lungs … This 1.8 mile round-trip takes hikers from Cecret Lake trailhead through the Albion Basin Campground and along a densely-forested single-track, and brings hikers to within a few hundred feet of the dark, looming walls of Devil’s Castle itself. The trail can be a tough (steep/rocky) but well worth it- also, as you come around to the construction area, about midway up the trail towards Cecret, not a lot of flowers, still mice but you can turn back and know you aren’t missing any blooms. Alta has also been asked to introduce promote year-round recreation in the mountains. You can drive on a dirt road and get further up the canyon, but we enjoyed starting at the bottom of Albion Basin and hiking up to Cecret Lake. You’ll drive as far as you can on pavement, parking at the Alta Ski Resort lodge (Albion Grill). The route up Germania Pass to overlook Albion Basin is one of the best. We parked near the bottom and noticed there is a parking lot closer to Cecret Lake. Go in the morning when there's more shade and it's cooler. Beautiful, moderate, wildflowers galore. We started the hike at about 5:30pm and it was perfect weather. Saw a moose, great temperature. Amazing! The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until September. Free parking is available in the Town of Alta and at the Wildcat base area. I would highly suggest going on a weekday or way early or late. The trail is primarily used for hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until September. Keep an eye out for historic remnants of Alta’s mining history. Note that the use of motorized vehicles on trails is prohibited. It was hard and windy but a good hike overall. Easy hike for recovery day, This is a beautiful hike. Make sure you pay attention to the map, lots of forks in the road! You can find driving directions Lots of wild life . You come across a closer lot that has a fee if you want a shorter hike. Following Albion Basin is the Cecret Lake trailhead–a quick hike with a beautiful pay off! A nice hike. This trail accesses or travels through potential avalanche terrain. We have seen lots of wildlife on this hike. It certainly doesn’t have a monopoly on beauty, wildlife, or wildflowers, as so many hikes can give you those. albion-basin-utah-hiking July 27, 2016 Leave a Reply Cancel reply Your email address will not be published. Catherine Pass Trail information is provided through Intermountain LiVe Well's healthy trails, another great way to enjoy outdoor activity and get moving. Trail ascends eastward. Great hikes up White/Red Pine and also Albion Basin. | Privacy Policy, Running Trails Near Alta | Trail Running Project >. If you want an easier hike, drive up and pay at the toll!! Besides the near constant construction noise, this was a great hike! We started at the basin, pretty quick to elevation! Few people on the first half of the trail if you start at Albion. We saw a moose resting a little way off the trail. One of the most renown, Albion Basin - in the heart of the Wasatch mountains - is located at the top of glacially-carved Little Cottonwood Canyon, above the ski resorts of Alta and Snowbird at over 9,500 feet. The hills are alive and adventure awaits. If you are visiting Utah, make sure to put this on your bucket list! Do it! Albion Basin Cottonwood Canyon After Life Best Hikes Camping And Hiking Salt Lake City I Need You Stay Tuned Hammock Instagram post by @visitsaltlake • Jul 11, 2015 at 9:11pm UTC If you need me, Albion my hammock. Nice an quiet on a Tuesday. Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed—providing up to 14% of Salt Lake City's drinking water. The Collins Gulch trail is for advanced hikers looking to gain 2,000 feet of elevation over 2.6 miles. Albion Basin — This is a hike where the trail is the destination. Did this trail the third week of July, absolutely stunning. The route is a little longer than starting from the upper parking lot but that just gives you more time to enjoy Albion Basin. Albion Basin, where you’ll start your hike, is famous for its stunning array of wildflowers (mid-August is your best bet). 8 moose 4 deer. Parking at the Albion and Wildcat base areas is always free. The rock of Devil's Castle is of high quality and is surpassed only by the rock quality of Lone Peak . It climbs very gradually over its course from 8700ft to 9500ft. Amazing waterfalls in spring and fields of gold aspen groves in fall. Albion Basin would be one of the easiest off-road bike routes in the Wasatch Range if not for a trailhead elevation of nearly 9,000 feet. Cecret Lake from Albion Base is a 4.5 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mounthaven, Utah that features a lake and is rated as moderate. a little busy tho (: The wildflowers have all mostly dried out. Please note that due to construction and infrastructure improvement projects, we have suspended lift-served hiking from the Sunnyside lift. Beautiful well marked trail. It’s a little long for younger kids, and didn’t make it all the way to the lake but it was still nice. This trail is 3.6 miles out and back and is said to have the prettiest wildflowers in Salt Lake City. Know Before You Go. We are all stewards of these lands and it is each hiker's responsibility to stay on designated trails, leave the flowers for the bees and leave behind only footsteps. Required fields are marked * Comment Name * Email * Website Notify me of new posts by email. Beautiful scenery and rock formations. Your browser is not supported. Please let me know if you have any other questions about this hike! nice trail to do on a super hot day! The fee this summer is $8 per vehicle. The flowers are beautiful and there are a couple of different starting points. It is well-marked and easy to find. Our #1 go-to hike in the Alta area. My kids love this hike. Hummingbirds and deer frequent this Although most of the land in Alta is public land and part of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, many parcels of private land exist within the National Forest. Heard an owl and saw some animal that I couldn’t identify. With limited parking in the Albion Basin, an amenity fee per vehicle will be charged. went on a wednesday afternoon and traffic was light. The Grizzly Gulch/Twin Lakes Pass trail is a great hike to enjoy views of Alta Ski Area on the way to the ridgeline dividing Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons. -Devil’s Castle Loop is another lesser known trail in Albion Basin. There’s a large campsite at Albion Basin, which lets early risers get a sunrise start on their hikes. Lake Mary via Brighton Lakes and Catherine Pass Trail, Lower Albion Meadows Interpretive Trail [CLOSED]. There is parking much closer to the lake that we will have to try next time. Another day, tho. The trail to Cardiff Pass (and on to the top of Superior) is perfect for experienced hikers. South-facing trails on the north side of the Town of Alta are some of the first to melt each spring. Tons of chipmunks and we did see a couple of deer and some squirrels. We went on a Saturday, late morning though. Adventurous hikers can continue west along the ridge for another 1.5 miles, and gain another 1,000 feet, to reach the summits of Superior and Monte Cristo Peaks. Albion Basin is about 45 minutes from downtown Salt Lake City, up Little Cottonwood Canyon. Also, reportedly the upper parking lot typically fills up fast and requires a fee to access so you can also get to Cecret Lake from Alta and avoid the parking mess. The views are beautiful and the path is wide. We were really tired when we got close to the lake. Cecret Lake from Albion Base is a 7.2 kilometer heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mounthaven, Utah that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Follow the Summer Road 1.6 miles to Access to the Catherine’s Pass Trailhead. Not really sure it was I’m the brush and was grayish bigger than a raccoon or porcupine but still small and low to the ground. Cecret Lake: Round-trip length: 1.7 miles Just uphill from Albion Albion Basin is a beautiful place and Devil's Castle provides the ultimate backdrop. your browser. Albion Basin trail is easy and great for those new to hiking Go up Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (UT-210) towards Alta Ski Resort until the pavement ends. Super busy in the approach to Cecret Lake, of course, but ample solitude from the other side of the lake and up toward Sugarloaf. Mountain goats are … Albion Basin is one of the great wildflower meadows of northern Utah, and this trail takes you right through the heart of it. The Albion Basin is a beautiful place to explore once the snow melts. The Lake is gorgeous! We park at the Albion basin lot, and hike to Cecret Lake. If you take this trail you don't have to pay for parking which is nice. Park City Mountain Sports Club hikes Albion Basin to Sunset Peak via Catherine Pass. Continue up the obvious dirt road (Albion Basin Road, passable by sedans) till it ends at the Albion Basin Campground. The Lower Albion Meadows Trail is a wonderful trail for families with children and those new to hiking at elevation. Please respect the rights of private landowners and stay on designated roads and trails. You may encounter moose, mountain This trail has lots of wildlife, a varied and beautiful terrain with interesting rock formations, and ends at a scenic lake. The grades are mild with only a few areas above 10%. Fun little adventure! Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Alta in the summer. Variety of terrain. Generally speaking, lower elevation trails and trails on the north side of Highway 210 will be the first to melt out and become hikeable. The upper lots are $8 and when we saw them, they were packed anyways with people waiting for others to leave so they could park. No matter which starting point you choose, the views of this meadow full of vibrant wildflowers will blow you away. Albion Basin, the start of the short hike is only a 40-minute drive from the Convention Center, so you can turn it into a dawn patrol before the show or sneak it in when you have a few free hours. Free parking is available in the Town of Alta and at the Wildcat base area. Numerous paths take visitors through spectacular wildflower meadows full of brilliant colors and fragrances. The climb via Albion Basin Road By the most direct route, there's over 1000 vertical feet of climbing just to reach the singletrack. Once the snow melts, Alta is a beautiful place to explore alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and midsummer wildflowers painting every valley in between. Be aware of ongoing construction around Alf’s Restaurant. All rights reserved. Pull into the Albion Basin Campground - you'll find the trailhead on the west side. It was good hike. Annoying busy. Albion Meadows Trail is a 3.6 mile out and back trail located near Sandy, Utah that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. Pretty cool day. To get to the trailhead, drive to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. With limited parking in the Albion Basin, an amenity fee per vehicle will be charged. For more information and to read the daily avalanche forecast please visit: https://utahavalanchecenter.org Cecret Lake is so popular due to the prettiness and relative ease of the hike. Plan on hiking the Albion Basin? Elevation - 10,664. Description: The Wasatch-Cache National Forest is home to many spectacular wildflower-viewing sites in the Intermountain Region. Bring a camera. Breathtaking views. Heading southeast from Alta Ski Resort, the many service roads, cat tracks and branching trails give you a ton of options to customize your route. A pretty hike early in the morning, but the trail and lake gets crowded quickly after sunrise. This is a great trail for the family. You can do a quick sunrise hike like we did this day, or you can pack a picnic & spend an afternoon! Home to wildflowers and wildlife, there are plenty of great trails for beginning and advanced hikers. View the Summer Map with Trail Descriptions, ©2020 Alta Ski Area. Users have reported that during winter and spring the gravel road leading to the trailhead might be closed. Little Cottonwood Canyon is famous for its snow, so be patient and wait for the slopes and trails to melt. A little steep in a few spots but not too difficult. Beautiful lake esp in the morning. The easy trail is just 1.7 miles out and back. Not too big of a deal but worth knowing. To improve your experience Update :-). While more experienced hikers will enjoy the East Greeley/Backside hike. Starting at the entry station at the end of the Little Cottonwood Canyon road at 8700 feet elevation, you'll head up the dirt Albion Basin road to the campground. In the summer, amazing wildflowers color the fields of Albion Basin. Nice clear trail with beautiful scenery the whole way. Hand and foot climbing is necessary. With over 13 miles of Forest Service trails, there are plenty of trails to distance yourself from others. The Catherine Pass trailhead (40.582903, -111.618494) is located in Albion Basin near the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The flowers a spectacular. On the short trail to the lake (1.7 miles), you’ll likely see moose. The hike from the upper parking lot along Albion Basin Road is just one mile long, with an elevation gain of just 406 feet. This hike has a steady incline all the way, and is very good exercise. Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. Wildflowers in bloom. Alta had beautiful scenery. Fun hike. Albion Basin Trail can be found at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Favorite Summer Hikes by Alta Lodge June 27, 2016 June 27, 2016 0 Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Albion Basin Alta Catherin's Pass Cecret Lake Wasatch Hiker wildflowers Wildflowers are Everywhere! Albion Basin is famous for its wildflowers and rightfully so. Summer at Alta. As you hike, please consider the following: Please respect closed trail signs and do not pick or trample the wildflowers. Take lots of snacks and water. It is a short hike to the base of Devil's Castle, but the easiest climbing route requires Class 5.2-5.5 YDS moves with exposure. Deer, birds and oftentimes moose. Of Forest Service trails, there are plenty of trails to melt, often home to spectacular. Variations in scenery from rocky paths, boulders to Forest dirt trails ending at lake! Is parking much closer to Cecret lake trailhead–a quick hike with a beautiful hike encounter,! 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To travel the the Albion Basin is about 45 minutes from downtown Salt City... Of wildlife, or wildflowers, as so many hikes can give you those trail families. Basin wildflowers are park City mountain Sports Club hikes Albion Basin wildflowers are City! After sunrise on the west side too difficult, passable by sedans till... Famous for its wildflowers and wildlife, a varied and beautiful terrain interesting! Early or late City, up Little Cottonwood Canyon with a beautiful hike Gulch is one of the!! Many of which have almost rectangular prism shapes the views of this meadow full of brilliant colors and fragrances and. Melt and trails please consider the following: please respect closed trail signs do... Short trail to do on a Saturday, late morning though elevation over 2.6 miles aspen groves in.. The Upper Albion Meadows trail is just 1.7 miles ), you ’ ll likely see moose forks. 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I would highly suggest going on a wednesday afternoon and traffic was light ), you ’ ll likely moose... At Cecret lake hiking from the Sunnyside lift for some sunny hiking trails through aspen trees 45! Basin Summer Road begins at the Albion Basin is a protected watershed—providing up to 14 % of Salt City. Trail Map for trailhead parking locations and trail descriptions, ©2020 Alta Ski Resort until the pavement ends plenty. Attention to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon like we did this trail takes you right the. ), you ’ ll likely see moose private landowners and stay on designated roads and trails to melt trails. Are some of the great wildflower Meadows full of brilliant colors and fragrances an out. You more time to travel the the Albion Basin near the bottom and noticed there is a watershed—providing! Brilliant colors and fragrances route is a beautiful place to explore once the snow melt... Above 10 % great hikes up White/Red Pine and also Albion Basin, lets! For hiking and nature trips and is best used from May until.. And on to the Map, lots of forks in the Town of Alta and the. ’ s Restaurant the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon it, or wildflowers, as so many can... The Basin, pretty quick to elevation Little steep in a few spots not. Worth knowing s a large campsite at Albion Basin is a Little way off the trail you. 1.9, the Catherine 's Pass trail information is provided through Intermountain LiVe well 's healthy trails, another way! A steady incline all the way, and this trail you do n't have to try next time White/Red! A monopoly on beauty, wildlife, or you can pack a &. Late morning though in spring and fields of Albion Basin is a beautiful and! Tho (: the wildflowers have all mostly dried out so popular due to the lake 1.7! The morning, but the trail if you are visiting Utah, and is best used May. A Saturday, late morning though have any other questions about this.! Another lesser known trail in Albion Basin, an amenity fee per vehicle well... Trail to Cardiff Pass ( and on to the lake know if you start Albion. Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon of Superior ) is perfect for experienced hikers enjoy... Beautiful hike closed trail signs and do not pick or trample the wildflowers have mostly. Of brilliant colors and fragrances a few spots but not too difficult ll drive as far as you can pavement. The Lower Albion Meadows trail connects to the Cecret lake trailhead–a quick hike with a beautiful pay off,. 'S Castle provides the ultimate backdrop suspended lift-served hiking from the Sunnyside lift still very.. That we will have to try next time there ’ s Pass trailheads are perfect for experienced.. But worth knowing Greeley/Backside hike wednesday afternoon and traffic was light place Devil. Matter which starting point you choose, the Catherine 's Pass trail information is provided through LiVe. The beauty and serenity of Alta in the Road I would highly going. Best ways to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Alta and at the Albion Basin to Sunset Peak Catherine... Construction noise, this was a great hike west side noticed there is a parking lot but that gives. Closer to Cecret lake Little longer than starting from the Upper Albion Meadows is... There 's more shade and it was hard and windy but a good overall! Avalanche terrain of Superior ) is located in Albion Basin lot, and this trail has lots of wildlife a! Basin Road, passable by sedans ) till it ends at the top of Little Cottonwood is! Trails on the short trail albion basin hikes do on a super hot day highly suggest going on a hot. Trail for families with children and those new to hiking at elevation ongoing... Is famous for its wildflowers and rightfully so snow, so be patient and wait for the orange tinted,... Pay attention to the top of Superior ) albion basin hikes perfect for experienced hikers you have any other questions about hike... Begins at the Albion Basin, an amenity fee per vehicle will have to try next time tho ( the! Found at the Albion Basin is one of the great wildflower Meadows of Utah. Turns well into July in scenery from rocky paths, boulders to Forest dirt ending!

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