A moose stands in a field of wildflowers on a sunny summer day at Alta Ski Area

Recreate
Responsibly

Thank you for joining the Alta Environmental Center and all of our partners in recreating responsibly so that we can all preserve this environment for future generations.

eDUCATE YOURSELF AND TREAD LIGHTLY.

A short eight-mile drive from Alta sits a growing metropolitan area. As the surrounding Salt Lake Valley grows so does visitation to Alta’s fragile sub-alpine environment. With this tremendous growth in visitation, it is more important than ever that we all do our part in being stewards of the land, from the top of Baldy to the Albion Basin, from the Englemann Spruce to the Wasatch Penstemon.

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. Whether you are hiking with the family on a cool summer evening, trail running or mountain biking, thank you for joining the Alta Environmental Center and all of our partners in recreating responsibly so that we can all preserve this environment for future generations.

The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace

Make A Plan: prepare for a day by checking the weather, consulting a Summer Trail Map and reading/obeying all trail signs
Stay On the Trail: don't create new trails or trample the wildflowers—even when taking photos
Don't Trash Alta: clean up after yourself—if you pack it in, pack it out
Leave What You Find: only take photos and memories home with you at the end of the day
Minimize Campfire Impacts: campfires are only permitted in campgrounds and established fire rings
Respect Wildlife: these are wild animals do not approach them—be mindful that you are in their habitat
Be Considerate of Others: yield to other users—respect others and protect the quality of their experience

Take a walk through the Albion Basin with naturalists, Liz and Dylan Anderson, who share their love and stoke for the natural world. | Video: Tyler Struss

Protected Watershed

All of Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed that provides drinking water to the Town of Alta and the Salt Lake Valley. The Town of Alta and Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities strictly enforce regulations to keep our water clean.

Dogs and horses are prohibited in Little Cottonwood Canyon
Swimming and wading are prohibited in Alta's lakes and streams
Never drink from streams or lakes
Backcountry campsites must be 200 feet from water and a half-mile from any road

Photography and 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. Leave the flowers for the bees and leave behind only footsteps.

Don’t pick or trample the wildflowers, let them stay wild
Stay on the trails—even when taking photos
Pullouts along the Albion Meadows provide excellent space for wildflower photos while staying in designated hiking areas

Hikers utilize the photo pullouts in the Albion Meadow | Photo: Rocko Menzyk

Photography and Wildflowers

Hiking

However you choose to move through the mountains—whether it's enjoying the wildflowers in July or the thrill of summiting a peak—we ask that you do so with care and respect to the resources. We are all stewards of these lands and it is each hiker's responsibility to stay on designated trails.

With over 16 miles of trails in Alta, it's important to have a game plan when you head into the mountains.

Stay on designated trails and roads—cutting switchbacks leads to erosion and loss of wildflowers
Be respectful of wildflowers and keep an eye out for wildlife
Make sure that all micro trash (little tiny corners of energy bar wrappers) end up in your pocket
Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared and pack extra layers for you and your family