Cecret/Secret Lake Trail

The Trail
This easy trail is about 2 miles long (round trip) with about a 470 foot elevation change. This distance includes walking the 0.4 mile loop around Cecret Lake, but it is only about 0.8 mile to reach the lake from the trailhead.

Topographical Map

Graph of Elevation

Trail in Google Earth

The trail starts near a campground. It is marked by a wooden sign and begins by crossing a short bridge over a little stream.

The first part of this trail is also a dirt access road to cabins in the area. While it is not heavily trafficked, hikers should watch out for vehicles and make way for any that come along. There are a number of interpretive signs along the trail offering information about the Albion Basin as well as the plants, animals, and geography of the area.

View of Devil's Castle

As you head toward the lake, you will come across many nice view of Devil's Castle, which lies just southeast of Cecert Lake, and Sugarloaf Peak, which lies just southwest of the lake. Both of these destinations can also be reached by starting along this trail. There is a faint trail on the east of the lake leading to the saddle between these two peaks, from which hikers can continue to either. Alternatively, there is a trail to the west of the lake that goes up Sugar Loaf Peak.

There is a fairly steady, gentle climb all the way to the lake, ending with a few switchbacks up a hill. After reaching the crest of this last hill, the lake comes into view.

Final ascent up small hill to the lake

Despite its namesake, this lake is anything but secret. This short trail is extremely popular among all age groups, and is likely to be crowded on weekends and holidays. We did this trail on Labor Day, and the shorelines quickly became packed with other hikers, youth groups, and families.

There are nice views of the lake and the surrounding area all along the trail that loops around the lake's perimeter.

Dogs are not permitted on this trail as this is a protected watershed area. Bicycles are also not allowed. There are restrooms available at the trailhead. There is also a campground near the trailhead.


Directions
This trail is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake County, Utah. It is near the tiny resort town of Alta. To get there from the north, take I-15 to Exit 298 for the 1-215 Belt Route. From there, take Exit 6 for UT-190 toward 3000 E. Stay to the left (following signs for 6200 S), and then turn right onto Big Cottonwood Rd./UT-190. This road will become Wasatch Blvd. as you continue, and then UT-210/Little Cottonwood Rd.  Continue to the Alta Ski Resort, and then turn onto the maintained gravel Albion Basin Rd. Continue to the end of this road, where there is a parking area near the trailhead and the campground. Parking at Albion Basin is very limited, so you may need to park at Alta and take the free shuttle up to the trail head. The shuttle runs through the summer until about Labor day.

If you are coming from the south, from I-15 take Exit 291 for UT-71/12300 S. Head east along this road. It will change to become Draper Pkwy. and then 1565 E. Turn right when you reach Wasatch Blvd., and turn right again when you come to Little Cottonwood Rd. Continue up the canyon as explained above.