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Cecret Lake

Alta, Utah

4.4/5
based on 9 reviews

Details

Distance

1.78 miles

Elevation Gain

509 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Michael Johnston

Cecret Lake offers amazing views of the upper Albion Basin. If you head there during the right time of year, there are wildflowers in abundance on the hike.

Cecret Lake is reached by driving up Little Cottonwood Canyon to Albion Basin above Alta Ski Resort. The hike is just under 1 mile to the lake and should take about 30 minutes. The hike goes through fields full of wildflowers and wildlife is abundant. Moose, deer, and various wildlife can be seen from the trail. The parking area can be busier on the weekends, so it is suggested you arrive early or utilize the free shuttle offered through the town of Alta

The hike is free, but parking is limited, so I recommend arriving early on a weeknight or on the weekends. The last 2.5 miles of the road is graded, but is definitely open to low clearance vehicles. Albion Basin Campground is located near the trailhead and can be reserved. The drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon is definitely picturesque so plan extra time to take pictures along the way of this beautiful glacial valley.

The Pie Pizzeria in Union Park (7186 Union Park Ave) is a great place to go after hiking to Cecret Lake. Their specialty pizzas and beer on tap is the best on the Wasatch Front. Plus, the ambience and atmosphere of the restaurant is on point.

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Features

Camping
Hiking
Lake
Scenic

Reviews

This hike will make you want to sing “Sound of Music” while you’re climbing up to the lake. Really pretty mountain area and lots of wildflowers. It was a tad busy but there’s plenty of room to spread out around the lake and we did go on a Saturday.

This is a really great hike, it's really easy and would be a good one to take kids on. It's pretty high elevation, but still wear some sunscreen. And take some bug spray, there are a lot of bugs around the lake.

Explorer

01/25/17

I spent my entire childhood camping here with my family. Absolutely wonderful area teaming with wildlife. Look out for all the moose.

Road up to the trail was closed! I saw people hiking up anyhow but would be an extra 2.6 miles

A must do hike for any Utahn or anyone visiting! Quick, easy and accessible to families! Bring a camera, the lake is spectacular!

Explorer

10/30/15

Still not sure why we left the main trail, but we took a smaller single track spur and ended up pleasantly wandering around for a while. Finally made it back to the trail and up to the lake. We had 6 kids ages 13 months to 10 years and they all did great!

i came here a bunch with my family as a kid and still go these days. it's a really nice spot, never gets old.

One of the most beautiful hikes in Little Cottonwood Canyon. We also camped up here but right below Devil's Castle to avoid the crowds in the morning. Definitely recommend it.

Great Utah hike. Breathtaking in July when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Hike is nice for families, but go on a weekday if you are trying to avoid them.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak

Hike Catherine Pass

Hike Mount Wolverine

Ski Baldy's Main Chute at Alta Ski Area

Spring Backcountry Ski Alta Ski Area

Cecret Lake from Albion Basin