Hikes/United States/Utah/Salt Lake City

Cecret Lake Trail

Difficulty
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Easy
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
1-1.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.9 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
142 m
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With mountain views, gorgeous wildflowers and a pristine alpine lake, the Cecret Lake Trail is an absolutely beautiful hike just east of Salt Lake City in the Alta Ski Area. This trail is family-friendly and a great way to get out and explore the beauty of Utah with the kids. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail, so your four-legged friends will have to stay home.

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Route Description for Cecret Lake Trail

Cecret Lake is a family-friendly hike to a not-so-secret alpine paradise. This trail is one of the most popular hikes in the region, so we recommend heading out early to beat the crowds. The Albion basin, in which Cecret Lake is located, is a watershed. Unfortunately, swimming is not permitted in this lake; it can be a lot of fun, though, to watch salamanders scurry along the lake’s edge and jump in for a dip. Dogs are also not permitted on this trail, so you will have to leave your four-legged friends behind.

There is a reason that Cecret lake is one of the most popular hikes in the area. This beautiful hike is a great spot to see the flora and fauna of the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. We recommend hiking this trail in the summer to see the incredible wildflowers in full bloom. Families of moose are often seen crossing the trail or swimming in the lake. If you are lucky enough to see wildlife, do not approach them or feed them, and remind your kids that these animals are to be appreciated from a safe distance.

From the trailhead, follow the path southwest. Approximately 0.3 km in the trail will divide, stay to the left. Shortly after this first divide, the trail intersects with another path. Continue straight ahead at this intersection. Just after the intersection, the trail will fork once more, take the left-hand path to continue 0.7 km to Cecret Lake.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the lakeside and snap some photos before turning around and following the trail back to the Albion Campground.

If you are not done exploring, you can continue hiking from Cecret Lake up to the top of Sugarloaf Peak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim in Cecret Lake?

Unfortunately, because the Albion Basin is a watershed, swimming is not permitted in Cecret Lake.

Do you have to pay to get to Cecret Lake?

There is a $10 USD fee to access the road up to the Albion Campground where this trail begins.

Can I bring my dog to Cecret Lake?

Dogs are not permitted along the Cecret Lake Trail or any trail in the Albion Basin.

Insider Hints for Cecret Lake Trail

  • Bring a blanket and a picnic lunch to enjoy lakeside, you will want to spend some quality time at this stunning destination
  • This is a great hike to do with kids
  • Try this hike in July to see the wildflowers in full bloom

Getting to the Cecret Lake Trail Trailhead

This hike begins at the Albion Basin Campground in the Alta Ski Area just east of Salt Lake City.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Albion Basin Campground

  • When to do

    June to September

  • Pets allowed

    No

  • Family friendly

    Yes

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Cecret Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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Cecret Lake Trail Reviews

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