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The Best Camping in Alta

Looking for the best camping in Alta? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Alta. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top camping spots in and near Alta

  • Alta, Utah

    Cecret Lake

    4.4
    1.78 mi / 509 ft gain
    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 s...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Backpack Lake Catherine and Bag Sunset Peak

    3.5
    3 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Any chance to get into the backcountry of the Wasatch Mountains is worth it. Many people day hike in the area, but not very many backpack in. The trail meets up with the Great Western Trail and overlooks Lake Catherine. The best place to camp is in the woods next to the lake. Hike down to the lak...
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  • Brighton, Utah

    Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop

    3.62 mi / 1093 ft gain
    Dog Lake, Lake Mary, Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located near Salt Lake City, Utah.
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  • Brighton, Utah

    Hike and Camp at the Twin Lakes Reservoir

    5 mi / 650 ft gain
    The trailhead begins at the Solitude Nordic Center. Walking around Silver Lake, you get a chance to observe the ducks and lovely wetlands area. This trail then leads you into the lower aspens, and if you are hiking just as fall colors have begun to emerge, they create a glowing effect in the wood...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Photograph Guardsman Pass & The Alpine Loop

    5.0
    Since this is a loop you can start at either end, but this is the way we did it. Start driving up Big Cottonwood Canyon. Enjoy the views and take in the impressive peaks on either side of the road. See the changes in vegetation as you gain elevation in the canyon. As you near the top and pass Sol...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Red Pine Lake Trail

    5.0
    6.94 mi / 1995 ft gain
    Red Pine Lake, located in Red Pine Fork of the Wasatch Mountains, is one of the premier hiking and backpacking destinations in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Red Pine Fork is sandwiched in between White Pine Fork and Maybird Gulch to the east and west, respectively. All three are accessed via the Whit...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    White Pine Lake

    4.5
    9.97 mi / 2917 ft gain
    Just about 5 miles (2-2.5 hrs) from the trailhead, you will find the beautiful White Pine Lake where the water is an intense blue color. It's an amazing place for photos and just hanging out on a summer or fall afternoon. Along the way you will have great views of mountains of all colors, beautif...
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  • Salt Lake County, Utah

    Willow Lake

    4.5
    2.41 mi / 659 ft gain
    The Trail: Follow the marked trail and you'll hike less than a mile up to the edge of Willow Lake. Moose like to hang out in the thick willows there, so make lots of noise to warn them that you're coming and you won't startle any. Standing on the shoreline, you'll have a great view of Solitude ...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Camp at Willow Lake

    4.6
    2.41 mi / 659 ft gain
    The trailhead to Willow Lake is about 11 miles up Big Cottonwood Canyon and is on the north side of the road right after the passing lane begins. It can be easy to miss, and is only marked with a plaque on a rock (40.630302, -111.604639). As you hike a little in from the road you will see the tra...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Backpack to Bloods and Lackawaxen Lakes

    4.8
    4 mi / 1040 ft gain
    This trail is just outside of Big Cottonwood Canyon which forbids both dogs and swimming due to the Salt Lake watershed. As a result, dogs and swimming are more than welcome. Blood Lake and Lackawaxen Lake Trailhead can be reached by driving up Big Cottonwood approximately 15 miles until the tur...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Summit the Pfeifferhorn

    5.0
    9 mi / 3700 ft gain
    Starting at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon, UT, hike southwest until reaching the junction to Red Pine Canyon. Take the trail that crosses the stream and continues west around the ridge. The trail will quickly turn south and begin to gain elevation. Continue west as you pass...
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  • Sandy, Utah

    Camp at the Cottonwood Ridgeline

    Begin at the White Pine Trailhead in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Follow the trail up toward Red Pine Lake. The trail gets a little hard to follow after the lake, but find your way up to the ridge between Pfeifferhorn and White Baldy. Set up camp and enjoy a night in the high mountains. Morning will...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Hike to Big Cottonwood Canyon's Desolation Lake

    4.6
    7.4 mi / 1900 ft gain
    Drive 9 miles into Big Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Mill D North Trailhead (on the left). On the right side of the road, there is a restroom. The trial head begins on the left, there is a visible sign you cannot miss before beginning.The trail is about 7.4 miles round trip, about half way t...
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  • Salt Lake City, Utah

    Winter Backpack to Dog Lake and Backcountry Ski Reynolds Peak

    4.5
    5 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The hike is considered moderate, but the 1500ft. elevation gain (2100ft. to Reynolds Peak) will definitely get your heart rate up. Snowshoes/skins are recommended but the trail is often packed enough to do without them.After crossing the street from the Spruces parking lot, follow the trail past...
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  • Provo, Utah

    Backpack to Silver Lake

    4.4
    4.1 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The trail is 4.1 miles roundtrip gaining almost 1,500 feet for the duration of the adventure. Some parts are exposed, so you can get a fair amount of sun.When you're on the trail, you'll get amazing views as you’re hiking to the lake of Mount Timpanogos and American Fork Canyon. This is followed ...
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  • Provo, Utah

    Camp at Silver Lake

    4.5
    4.4 mi / 1500 ft gain
    Silver Lake is a wonderful place to go if you're in need of a quick adventure in the woods.  Located in the the Uinta National Forest, Silver Lake is relatively easy to get to via American Fork Canyon in Utah, however I do recommend driving a car with 4WD and can handle steep dirt roads with shar...
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