Cecret Lake

This alpine lake near Alta is a kid-friendly introduction to the beauty Little Cottonwood Canyon has to offer. 

 

Distance: 1.5 miles round-trip

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Elevation Change: 420 feet

 

Driving Directions: Located at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Drive 11.3 miles up Little Cottonwood Road to the parking lot for the Cecret Lake trailhead at the end of the road. The parking area fills up fast so another option in the Summer (on weekends and holidays) is to take the free shuttle from the town of Alta to the trailhead.  

 

This hike is similar to the hike to Albion Basin in that you'll get great views of wildflowers in July and into August. We did this hike over Labor Day weekend and still saw many varieties of wildflowers.

 

The trail is gently-sloped and wide providing lots of room for wandering toddlers and small children. The trail is easy to follow as well and there are interpretive signs along the way providing information about the wildflowers and wildlife in the area. 

 

Even though I carry my baby/toddlers on most of the hikes, it's great when they're able to get out of the pack and explore themselves.

 

See the moon up there?

As you approach the lake, the trail gets a little steeper. You'll hike along some switchbacks for the last portion of the hike.

 

Once you reach the lake, you're treated to magnificent views of the beautiful water, and reflections of the surrounding trees and mountains. It's a gorgeous hike for any time of day.

 

 

Once you reach the lake, you can walk around it and find a more secluded spot for pictures or to eat a snack.

The trail back down is of course down hill and quite easy. You'll want to watch your small children going down the switch backs though, it can get a little steep for little ones.

This is one of those hikes that I like to do every year, especially as a family because it offers so many great views and variety along the trail.