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Cecret Lake from Albion Basin

Alta, Utah

4.9/5
based on 11 reviews

Details

Distance

4.48 miles

Elevation Gain

1214 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Colton Marsala

This longer hike to Cecret Lake offers up views of Devils Castle and Alpine Lake views. Amazing wildflowers, beautiful scenery and wildlife (lots of moose).

The out-and-back trail from Albion Basin to Cecret Lake climbs a gentle slope and along the way there are interpretive signs with information about the basin, its plants, animals and geology. From the lake you can return the same way you came, or explore the area more.

If you head there during the right season, it's a great opportunity to catch the wildflowers in bloom. I'd also suggest heading out to the lake later in the day so that you can catch the sun setting beyond the lake. If you're looking for a 2-mile out-and-back hike to Cecret Lake, check out this Cecret Lake adventure

Remember that Cecret Lake is a protected watershed for Salt Lake City and swimming is not allowed. Please help keep Utah's watersheds clean.

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Features

Photography
Hiking
Forest
Lake
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Reviews

This one is a hill climber, but it is well worth it in order to see the lake.

Amazing views

After a short march through incredible wildflower filled meadows, you are rewarded with a high-alpine lake and possibly a moose. If you are in Salt Lake vicinity in July you must make a wildflower pilgrimage to Albion Basin!

The trail that leads to Cecret Lake has a ton of beautiful wildflowers all over the landscape in the late spring and summer. Cecret Lake is also a perfect place to hang out for the day and have a picnic.

We decided to do this hike right before having dinner in Little Cottonwood Canyon - very easy to do and Cecret Lake is a beauty. It's a small lake, but still very rewarding.

Incredible hike that takes you through meadow lands with breath taking views of the bluffs. The road that takes you to the trailhead that begins the 1.5 mile hike is open seasonally. We went before July 11th and was informed we would need to start at Albion Basin or walk along the road to the TH. This adds approximately an additional 2 miles each way. The hike is in no way strenuous and perfect for families with children. The only "rough" spot is right before you get to the lake, there are a few switchbacks and the rocks can be a little slippery. Just take your time getting up and down in this area. This is part of the watershed so no dogs are allowed, sorry.

This is a short hike that you can do with anyone because of how easy it is. It is a great lake and if you go during late summer there are tons of salamanders. This is really fun for a quick day hike and has beautiful scenery

Beautiful mountain lake on a well marked trail. Often busy in summer, my favorite times are in the early spring when skinning or snowshoeing are a good way to access the lake!

A moderate hike with some great views.

I've been hiking to Cecret Lake since I was a kid, one of the best hikes around for a quick, family friendly hike.

Leave No Trace

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

Nearby

Albion Meadows Trail

Spring Backcountry Ski Alta Ski Area

Mountain Bike Catherine's Pass

Backcountry Ski Grizzly Gulch

Milky Way Astrophotography At Alta

Snowshoeing Twin Lakes Pass