Cecret Lake Trail

The Cecret Lake Trail is one of the most popular short hikes in the Wasatch Mountains, climbing from Albion Basin above Alta to a small alpine lake tucked beneath Sugarloaf Peak. Note the spelling: the lake is Cecret, not Secret, a quirk of local naming that has stuck for generations.

From the trailhead near the Albion Basin campground, the route is a little under a mile each way, gaining a few hundred feet over rocky switchbacks and open meadows. In July and August the slopes are covered in wildflowers, and the basin is one of the best places in Utah to see them. At the top, the lake sits in a rocky cirque with views back across the basin to Devil's Castle and the ridges of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Moose are sometimes seen in the willows, and the lake can shrink noticeably by late summer.

The hike is short enough for families, but the elevation is close to 10,000 feet, so take it slowly, carry water and layers, and watch for afternoon thunderstorms. The Albion Basin road is narrow, partly unpaved and open only in summer, vehicle numbers are limited, and a fee is charged. Arrive early, especially on weekends, or use the Town of Alta's summer shuttle. A longer route of about 4.5 miles round trip starts from the free parking at Alta's Albion Base area. Because the canyon is part of Salt Lake City's watershed, dogs are not allowed and swimming in the lake is prohibited.