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ForestMatters, LLC

Cecret Lake Trail

Wasatch National Forest, Utah · 3 min read

Distance
1.8 mi
Elevation Gain
360 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
July through September
Est. Time
1-1.5 hours
Dog Friendly
No
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Fee Required
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • The easiest alpine lake hike in the Salt Lake area at only 1.8 miles round trip
  • Remarkable wildflower displays in July, Albion Basin is famous for it
  • At 9,876 feet, provides a true alpine lake experience with minimal effort
  • Adjacent to Alta Ski Area summer hiking; ski lifts run for sightseers on some dates
  • Dogs not permitted (Little Cottonwood Canyon watershed)
lakewildflowersalpine meadowviews

Overview

Cecret Lake is the shortest path to a true alpine lake experience in the Salt Lake area. The 1.8-mile round trip gains only 360 feet from the Albion Basin Campground trailhead at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, delivering a 9,876-foot glacial lake surrounded by wildflower meadows in about 45 minutes of walking each way.

The trailhead sits at the base of the ski runs that serve Alta Ski Area in winter. In summer, the Albion Basin transforms into one of the premier wildflower destinations in the Wasatch, and the Cecret Lake trail passes through the heart of it. Mid-July is the peak display; fields of columbine, paintbrush, and larkspur line both sides of the trail.

Watershed rules: Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected drinking water watershed. No dogs. No swimming or wading in the lake or streams.

The Route

The trail is straightforward: follow the signed path from the campground trailhead across wildflower meadows, past a stream crossing, and up a short rise to the lake basin. The lake sits in a small cirque with rock walls on three sides. Stay on the trail to protect the fragile tundra vegetation.

When to Visit

The road to Albion Basin typically opens in late June or early July. July offers peak wildflowers. August is reliable with warm temperatures. The road closes by mid-October. Plan for crowds on summer weekends; the Cecret Lake trailhead is consistently one of the busiest in the Wasatch.

Practical Details

Parking fee at Albion Basin Campground (as of 2026). Flush toilets at the campground. The road up from Alta is narrow; follow traffic controls. For a longer alternative in Little Cottonwood Canyon, see the Red Pine Lake Trail. The forest guide covers all major hiking options in the area.

Leave No Trace

This trail receives enough use that following Leave No Trace principles is important for preserving the experience for future visitors. Stay on the marked trail to prevent erosion. Pack out all waste. Avoid camping within 200 feet of water sources or the trail. Use existing fire rings only where campfires are permitted, and check current fire restrictions at checking conditions before you go before any visit. The trail and surrounding terrain remain in good condition because previous visitors have respected these norms.

Safety Considerations

The easy rating reflects the trail's general character under typical conditions. Weather, seasonal snow, and trail conditions can change the experience significantly. Carry the 10 Essentials on any full-day outing. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time before heading out, particularly on longer or more remote trails. Cell service varies throughout Wasatch National Forest and may be unreliable in canyon bottoms or remote terrain.

Trailhead Parking

Albion Basin Campground Trailhead at the end of Little Cottonwood Canyon (SR-210). Parking fee applies. The road to Albion Basin is narrow and one-way in spots; arrive early on summer weekends.

← Back to Wasatch National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Cecret Lake hike?
Cecret Lake is a 1.8-mile out-and-back with only 360 feet of elevation gain. Most hikers take 1 to 1.5 hours round trip. The short distance and gentle grade make it the most accessible alpine lake hike in the Wasatch.
Why is it spelled 'Cecret'?
The unusual spelling is a historical quirk. Early maps of the Albion Basin area used 'Cecret' and the name stuck. It is pronounced the same as 'secret.'
Are dogs allowed at Cecret Lake?
No. Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected Salt Lake City watershed. Dogs are prohibited on all trails in the canyon including the Cecret Lake Trail (as of 2026).
When do wildflowers peak at Albion Basin?
Wildflower displays in Albion Basin typically peak in mid-July, though timing varies by snow year. The basin is famous as one of the best wildflower locations in Utah, with extensive fields of columbine, Indian paintbrush, larkspur, and mountain ash.