Hikes/United States/Utah/Salt Lake City

Cecret Lake Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Very 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.
1h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
2.7 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.
143 m
User Ratings
These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
Overall Rating
This is the average user-submitted overall rating on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest.
9.8
Physical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
Technical Difficulty
This is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Easy (Circle)
Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
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Cecret Lake hike from Salt Lake City, Utah

Using the access road for Alta ski lift maintenance, you are swept to high elevation without having to do much in the way of hard work. Starting in high alpine meadows, the short Cecret Lake Trail goes to a stunning alpine lake. A great reward for relatively little effort!

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Route Description for Cecret Lake Trail

Start along the Cecret Lake Trail and cross over a small creek, making your way along the narrow single track until it begins to widen. Soon you will merge onto a wide jeep road, which you will follow for most of the trail. There are a few spots along the road where it looks like a trail diverges, but continue along the jeep track until you reach a signed junction. You will pass over several streams as you traverse the stunning alpine meadows.

As you make your way along the trail, you will pass several signs explaining the geology and biology of the region. Additionally, wildflowers will blanket the lush meadows if you go in the spring, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with natural beauty. You will soon come across a junction where you will follow signs left toward Cecret Lake.

After this junction, you will hike up a series of switchbacks along the steepest part of the trail, before finally cresting the ridge. The lake is located right below Sugarloaf Mountain to the south, and the subsidiary peaks of Mount Baldy to the southwest. The view up here is nothing short of stunning.

Swimming is not allowed in the lake since it is part of the Salt Lake watershed. After resting on the smooth rocks lining the lake, return the way you came.

Trail highlights

Cecret Lake

Located in Albion Basin within the limits of the town of Alta, Cecret Lake is a small but beautifully scenic alpine lake that is part of the Wasatch National Forest.

Accessible by hiking trail during the summer months, the area surrounding Cecret Lake features several ski resorts that also make it a popular destination in the winter, when the area is blanketed in snow. When the high volumes of snow in the area melt during the summer, they provide the Utah area with clean drinking water, making Cecret Lake an integral part of the surrounding watershed.

Insider Hints for Cecret Lake Trail

  • A perfect alpine picnic spot!
  • In the spring, the streams that cross the path tend to run quite high. Bring poles to help with the crossings if you are unsure on your feet.

Getting to the Cecret Lake Trail Trailhead

To get to the start of the Cecret Lake Trail, go up Little Cottonwood Canyon Road (UT-210) towards Alta Ski Resort until the pavement ends. Continue up the obvious dirt road (Albion Basin Road, passable by sedans) till it ends at the Albion Basin Campground. Right before the gates of the campground is the small parking area, which fills very quickly. If you cannot park here, drive back the way you came for 0.8 km; park at the Catherine Pass trailhead. The trail begins just to the right of the gate of the Albion Basin Campground parking area.

Route Information

  • When to do

    Late Spring through fall

  • Backcountry Campsites

    In National Forest Wilderness

  • Toilets

    At trailhead

  • 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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