Driving Information

It costs $8 to get into Alta with your own vehicle in the summer months.  You can park at the guard station to avoid the fee but it’s a 2 1/2 mile walk to the trailhead from here.

The trail to Cecret Lake is an amazing hike that travels in a basin underneath tall skyscraper mountains like Devils Castle and Sugarloaf Mountain.  The trail is pretty easy and only gains about 460ft for the 0.8 mile it takes to get to the lake. 

It had just snowed high up in the mountains so I figured it would be a great time to do this hike to see if I could get some good photos!

The trailhead begins in a forest right next to the Albion Basin Campground.  The campground was closed for the season when I visited but I could see that the campground would be a great place to stay.  Tall white pine trees and even aspens provide tons of shade and there is even a creek nearby.  The trail was a little muddy but it really didn’t make the hike more difficult.

The trail passes through the campground and goes in and out of forest and meadow until you come to Cecret Lake.  On the way to the lake I saw the biggest porcupine I have ever seen in my entire life!  It was eating some plants on a rock and wouldn’t turn around for pictures but it was huge!

Other wildlife you have the chance to see is moose, deer, squirrels, chipmunks, pika, and possibly a bear.  This is a very popular trail so the chances of seeing a bear are slim but still possible, so always be prepared!

Directly to the south of the trail is Devils Castle.  It does look like a place a devil would build a castle!  The mountain is steep, rugged, sharp, and awesome!   There is a trail to Devils Castle and we already have a Trek guide if you are interested in extending your visit to Cecret Lake or just want to do an awesome hike!

The Cecret Lake trail will cut south west and slowly gain elevation.  If you are hiking in summer months you will probably notice all the wildflowers!  Even in September this fireweed had some petals left.

You will pass by an abandoned mine and the trail will make a few switchbacks until you reach Cecret Lake.

Cecret Lake isn’t that large of a lake but it provides the setting to some of the most scenic views in all of the Cottonwood Canyons!  You can hike around the lake if you want but I found some of the best views are on the west side.

I think I came at just the right time when there was lots of cloud cover to the west making the sunlight just perfect for some pictures!

Cecret Lake is part of the Salt Lake City Watershed meaning you aren’t allowed to swim or camp within 200 ft of it.