Cecret Lake is a stunning lake located in Little Cottonwood Canyon near Alta, Utah. This is a beginner friendly hike that can be shortened by paying a $10 day parking fee, or hikers can park for free at the Albion Base Trailhead. Here’s everything you need to know about this hike.
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Difficulty – Easy
Distance – 4.9 miles round trip (7.89 km)
Height – 9,874 feet (3009.60 m)
Elevation gain – 1,278 feet (389.53 m)
Duration – 3-4 hours (book time)
Trailhead Location – Albion Base Trailhead (8,694 Feet)
Dogs – Not allowed on this trail
Need To Know Information
- Dogs are not allowed on this hike.
- As of September 2022, this lake was drained, which means it likely will not be filled until the spring of 2023.
- Swimming is not allowed in any of the lakes in this area.
- This is a popular hike, and you will encounter people. Parking fills up quite fast.
- There are two main routes for this hike. The easiest route requires paying for a day parking pass. Both are explained below.
- Camping is common, as there are campgrounds near this lake. Camping information and regulations below.
- Fishing is allowed at this lake with a Utah Fishing License.
Trail Map
Click map to enlarge
Download GPX For Lower Trailhead Here
Download GPX For Upper Trailhead Here
Routes
Cecret Lake Via Albion Base Trailhead – 4.9 miles round trip (7.89 km) – 1,278 feet (389.53 m) Elevation Gain
This is the route that hikes will take if they want to avoid the day parking fees, or they simply want to hike through the beautiful Albion Basin where wildlife is often seen. Hikers begin at the Albion Base Trailhead and simply follow the trails and signs towards Cecret Lake. This trail remains with a moderate incline just about the entire way on well traveled and well maintained trails.
Cecret Lake Via Cecret Lake Trailhead – 1.56 miles round trip (2.51 km) – 458 feet (139.60 m) Elevation Gain
The Cecret Lake Trailhead has a good sized parking lot with overflow parking in another lote only about 100 feet away. This is very well marked and well traveled, so it is easy for hikers to follow the signs and trails to Cecret Lake. The trail moderately gains elevation for the first half mile, and gets a bit steeper in the last quarter mile of the hike before reaching the lake.
Hiking in Winter
This area is not hiked in winter as it is part of the ski resort, and therefore it is being skied on while the resorts are open.
Camping Information
There are campgrounds within Albion Basin that can be reserved when they are open. This campground contains 24 camping sites, each with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are also on the premise. Information and availability can be found here.
Fishing Cecret Lake
Cecret Lake does have fish in it. With our most recent trip, the lake was drained, and therefore we suspect fish have died. We will release more information when we know regarding when this lake will be fishable again. This is a catch and release fishery.
Weather
Here is a detailed weather forecast for the area:
Alta, UT
Overnight
Snow showers likely. Mostly cloudy. Low around 25, with temperatures rising to around 27 overnight. West wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of around one inch possible.
Friday
Snow showers likely before noon. Mostly sunny, with a high near 34. West northwest wind 14 to 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
Friday Night
Mostly clear. Low around 24, with temperatures rising to around 28 overnight. West wind around 10 mph.
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 49. South wind 10 to 23 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of snow showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 28. South wind around 24 mph, with gusts as high as 36 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New snow accumulation of less than half an inch possible.
Sunday
Snow showers before noon, then snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a high near 34. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 11 to 17 inches possible.
Sunday Night
Snow showers and a slight chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 17. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
Directions
The first trailhead is the lower trailhead that is free to park at. There is free parking along the main road, across the street, and in various locations. Parking is relatively easy, and marked, but the trailhead starts right behind the Alta Ski Shop. The most common trailhead is the Cecret Lake Trailhead which does require passing a gate, which is open on most weekdays and weekends. On these days purchasing a parking pass for the day can be done via the kiosk, or via a person managing the small building hut. Read the signs for any updates on the day you are there.
The next most common trailhead is the Cecret Lake Trailhead:
Hikers can also choose to park at the Catherine Pass Trailhead if they choose. This trailhead is between the lower trailhead and the Cecret Lake Trailhead, and hikers can join the trail system from this parking lot:
Additional Pictures
Dry Cecret Lake with Sugarloaf in the background
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about
Well Cecret Lake Was Empty On This Day
Cecret Lake empty on this day. Everything else was stunning! Very sad to see this!