Once the snow melts, Alta Ski Area transforms into a photographer's dream in July and August. As the summer sun melts the snowpack, mountain meadows erupt in a vibrant display of wildflowers.
Wildflower photography is one of the most popular activities during Alta’s summer months. While we all love the beauty of the wildflowers of Alta, it’s important that we are respectful of nature. All living organisms need to reproduce. Digging up wildflowers, picking or stepping on wildflowers, or collecting their seed will reduce a plant’s ability to reproduce and will adversely affect its long-term survival in that location
Stay on the trails—even when taking photos
Alta Ski Area is always working to restore resources due to user impact. Please respect the roped-off areas that help reverse resource damage and user-created trails.
A few reminders when photographing wildflowers at Alta:
- Don’t pick or trample the wildflowers—let them stay wild
- Stay on the trails—even when taking photos
- Ropes are in place to keep visitors on trail—citations may be issued for off-trail travel
- Pullouts along the Albion Meadows provide excellent space for wildflower photos while staying in designated hiking areas
- Aim for early mornings to capture the best light and avoid the crowds.
The south-facing slopes above the Town of Alta are a great option for wildflower viewing and photography in June and early July. Twin Lakes Pass and Cardiff Pass are great hiking trails that melt out earlier than the Albion Basin and Collins Gulch.
During peak wildflower season, explore the Albion Meadow trail—via the Upper Albion Meadows trail or Catherine's Pass trailhead—a scenic route with endless wildflower photography opportunities. Keep an eye out for silvery lupine, fiery Indian paintbrush contrasting with bright yellow sunflowers.
Learn more about the Wildflowers of Alta >
Remember, a permit is required for commercial photography, but hobbyists can capture stunning wildflower scenes as long as they stay on designated trails to protect this fragile ecosystem.
Commercial Photography Permits
Film and photography permit info for large commercial projects.
In order to regulate the trails while being good stewards of the environment, the Salt Lake Ranger District asks that film/photography permits are obtained for large commercial photography and film projects. Please reach out to the Salt Lake Ranger District to inquire whether or not a permit is needed for you. Applications are accepted year-round at all Ranger District Offices.
- All permit money goes directly back to your Wasatch National Forest.
- All permits issued by the Forest Service require the permittee to stay on designated roads and trails.
- Trampled flowers are not designated trails.
How to Apply
- Review the application checklist, insurance requirements and fee schedule.
- Contact the applicable Ranger District Office for proposal review.
- Complete and submit the Permit Application with all required information a minimum of 10 business days prior to planned filming or photography dates.
- Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Application Checklist
- Contact the applicable Ranger District Office for project proposal prescreening.
- Complete and submit a detailed Permit Application a minimum of 10 business days prior to the proposed start date, to include the following:
- Detailed map of the proposed project site and area, available here
- Certificate of Insurance
- Operating Plan
Other Considerations
Commercial filming in congressionally designated Wilderness Areas requires meeting additional criteria. Contact the local Ranger District Office for details. All applicants will be charged the minimum $130.00 application fee regardless of final approval. (This fee does not include applicable filming/photography land use fees and monitoring fees).
For enrolled students in University
- Student filmmakers/photographers are required to pay the application fee.
- Land use rent may be waived if students produce a letter on letterhead from the educational institution stating that the project is a class requirement and has no commercial value.
Insurance Requirements
- One (1) Million General Liability is required, submitted on ACCORD 25 2010/05form.
- If aircraft is involved, the Minimum Coverage Amount is $5 million.
- The Certificate of Insurance and the Insurance Policy Endorsement must show the “United States” (not “US Forest Service”) as additionally insured. The certificate AND the endorsement page must be submitted to the District Office either with the permit request or immediately upon approval of the request, before activities commence.
- The following clause must also appear on the face of the certificate and on the endorsement page of the certificate: “It is understood and agreed that the United States of America, Uinta-WasatchCache National Forest, U.S. Department of Agriculture, is additionally insured solely as respects liability arising from operations of the name insured.”
- The Certificate Holder for filming occurring on the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest is:
- USDA Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest
- 857 West South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, Utah 84095-8594