Cecret Lake Trail: A breathtaking hike atop Utah's mountains

Utah has some amazing hikes, but the Cecret Lake Trail is one you don’t want to miss. Accessible only during the summer months, this breathtaking family-friendly hike allows even the most novice hiker to experience the top of one of Utah’s many mountain peaks. Check it out!

As a Utah native, I have hiked this trail three times and each time, it never disappoints. Most high-elevation lakes in Utah require strenuous hiking to get there, but the Cecret Lake Trail starts at 9,000 feet and is only 1.8 miles round trip. It’s perfect for kids and adults a like. So here’s everything you need to know.

At a glance: Cecret Lake Trail

Ages: All ages welcome
Cost: $12 vehicle entrance fee
Dogs: No dogs allowed
Duration: 2-3 hours
Location: The trail starts just west of the Albion Basin Campground at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon in Alta, Utah.
Website: https://www.utah.com/destinations/cities-towns/salt-lake-city/hiking/cecret-lake/
Nearby attractions: Sugar Loaf Peak, Alta Ski Resort

Need-to-know before you start hiking

Since this trail is high in the mountains, it’s only accessible early to mid-July when the snowpack has finally melted. It remains open until late fall (October/November). The best time to hike is mid-July to early August when the wildflowers are in full bloom. On the weekends, the parking lots are super full and you may have to wait for someone to leave in order to park. We only had to wait about 10 minutes on a Saturday afternoon in August.

Even though this hike is high in elevation, it can get pretty hot in the summer. Bring lots of water and a picnic lunch to enjoy at the top. There’s a campground general store at the beginning of the hike and bathrooms. Don’t forget. Dogs are not allowed on this trail.

*One of the many wildflowers along the Cecret Lake Trail*

Trail basics and what to expect

We hiked this trail with four of our kids, including our 4-year-old daughter. It begins at 9,000 feet with a slow elevation climb (about 500 feet) across small streams and through fields of wildflowers. Through the years, this hike has become increasingly popular but don’t let that deter you. Everyone is very friendly.

As you climb towards your destination, you’ll reach a section of switchbacks. This is the steepest part. But at the end of the switchbacks, you’ll arrive at the lake almost immediately. We discovered a fun little cave along the switchbacks. My kids took a little peek inside but didn’t go too deep.

*My kids inside a cave next to the trail*

Once you reach the lake, there’s plenty of spots around the lake to sit down and enjoy the scenery. We brought a picnic lunch and just relaxed. Don’t take a swim in the lake though. It’s not allowed in order to protect the tiger salamanders that live in the lake.

Tips and tricks

Campground: Make a reservation at the Albion Basin Campground so you can experience this hike early in the morning with little to no hikers.
Tiger Salamanders: This lake is filled with these fun salamanders. But keep in mind, you’re not allowed to catch them.
Wildflowers: Hike this trail during mid-July to beginning of August to see the most amazing wildflowers
Moose: Keep an eye out for moose next to the lake and even on the drive up the canyon
Off-shoot trails: If you have time, take a minute to walk along some of the various off-shoot trails near the campground. There are less people and beautiful fields of wildflowers.
Sugarloaf Peak: If you want a bigger challenge, keep hiking past Cecret Lake up to Sugar Loaf Peak which is 4.6 miles round trip and reaches an elevation of 11,051 feet.