Hike to Cecret Lake at Alta
Catch the final high-alpine wildflowers and crisp mountain air on this family-friendly trek to a stunning glacial cirque.
Itinerary tips
- 1Plan for a 2.5-mile round-trip walk starting from the Albion Basin parking lot or the Sunnyside chairlift area.
- 2Arrive before 9:00 AM on weekends to secure a parking spot, as the Albion Basin lot fills up quickly and requires a fee.
- 3Carry at least one liter of water per person and apply high-altitude sunscreen, as there is very little shade along the trail.
- 4Pack a light jacket even in summer, as temperatures at 9,000 feet are significantly cooler than in the Salt Lake Valley.
- 5Stay strictly on the marked paths to protect the fragile alpine tundra and sensitive wildflower meadows.
- 6Budget approximately two to three hours to allow for photography at the lake and a leisurely pace on the steady incline.
More in Salt Lake City
Hike Living Room Trail at Sunset
Scramble up to the slab-rock furniture overlooking the University of Utah for the best view of the city lights.
HikingHike the Living Room Trail at Sunset
Climb to a ridge overlooking the valley where hikers have arranged flat sandstone rocks into chairs and sofas for a panoramic view of the city lights.
HikingHike to Cecret Lake in Alta
A family-friendly path leading to a stunning alpine lake tucked into a glacial cirque, often surrounded by moose in the early morning.
HikingDrive the Alpine Loop Scenic Byway
The Alpine Loop Scenic Byway (State Route 92) climbs between American Fork Canyon and Provo Canyon past Mount Timpanogos, Sundance and Timpanogos Cave National Monument. It is a slow, winding drive rather than a fast one, a recreation fee applies in American Fork Canyon, and the upper section closes through the winter months.
scenic
