Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Alta in the summer. Little Cottonwood Canyon is famous for its snow, so be patient and wait for the slopes and trails to melt. Once the snow melts, Alta is a beautiful place to explore alpine lakes, rugged mountain peaks and midsummer wildflowers painting every valley in between.
Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed—providing up to 14% of Salt Lake City's drinking water. 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. Please respect the rights of private landowners and stay on designated roads and trails. Note that the use of motorized vehicles on trails is prohibited.
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.
As you hike, please consider the following:
- Stay on designated trails and roads—cutting switchbacks leads to erosion and loss of wildflowers
- Leave no trace—carry out everything that you bring in
- Refrain from picking wildflowers or damaging plant life
- Do not disturb the wildlife—for your own safety and the safety of others
- Respect the watershed—no swimming or wading in Alta's alpine lakes
- Dogs are not allowed in Little Cottonwood Canyon—not even in your vehicle
Summer Trail Map and Trail Updates
Hiking from the Summer Road
The Albion Basin Summer Road is now closed for the winter.
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. Alta works to balance year-round recreation in the mountains. In order to balance the number of visitors to Cecret Lake and the Albion Basin, all vehicles that drive up the summer road are required to pay an amenity fee.
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. Follow the Summer Road 1.6 miles to Access to the Catherine’s Pass Trailhead. Access the Cecret Lake Trailhead following 1.4 miles on the Upper Albion Meadows Trail. The Summer Road is currently closed to vehicles, but hiking is allowed.
Once the ski season ends, parking in the Albion and Wildcat base areas and the Town of Alta is always free.
HIKING FROM THE TOWN OF ALTA
The south-facing trails on the north side of the Town of Alta are some of the first to melt each spring. These make for some sunny hiking trails through aspen trees.
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. Keep an eye out for historic remnants of Alta’s mining history.
The trail to Cardiff Pass (and on to the top of Superior) is perfect for experienced hikers.
Hiking from the Albion base area
The Albion Basin is a beautiful place to explore once the snow melts. Home to wildflowers and wildlife, there are plenty of great trails for beginning and advanced hikers. The Upper Albion Meadows trail connects to Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass trailheads are perfect for intermediate hikers. More experienced hikers will enjoy the East Greeley hike.
Hiking from the Wildcat base area
Hiking access from the Albion base area is the best bet for families this summer and those new to hiking at elevation. The Collins Gulch trail is for advanced hikers looking to gain 2,000 feet of elevation over 2.6 miles. The Collins Gulch is one of the last trails to melt, often home to skiers seeking out summer turns well into July.
Hiking access from the Albion base area is the best bet for families this summer and those new to hiking at elevation. The Collins Gulch trail is for advanced hikers looking to gain 2,000 feet of elevation over 2.6 miles. The Collins Gulch is one of the last trails to melt, often home to skiers seeking out summer turns well into July.
Family-Friendly Hikes
Explore the Albion Basin via the Summer Road
Starting from Catherine’s Pass Trailhead, check out the new staircase built by our AEC staff in partnership with the Forest Service. Head down the new switchback trail into the Albion Basin to enjoy the wildflowers and views of Devil's Castle and Mount Superior. If you want to keep going, hike up past Alf’s to the campground and back down the summer road to make it a longer loop and a chance to see some wildlife!
Lower Albion Meadows via the Wildcat Base Area
The Lower Albion Meadows trail connects Alta's Wildcat and Albion base areas. This is a great trail for new hikers, starting at the base of the Wildcat lift and ending near the Albion Day Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing hike through the wildflowers on Alf's High Rustler and the pines below Eagle's Nest. At the end of the trail, head back to the Wildcat base area by walking alongside the Transfer Tow and what used to be the main drag of the historic mining town of Alta. For a longer hike, continue up the switchbacks on the Upper Albion Meadows Trail.
Pro tip: Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared and pack extra layers for you and your family.
Summer Trail Map and Trail Updates