Cecret Lake

Date Placed: July 30, 2010
Letterbox: Traditional
Carver: GreenJello
Planters: GreenJello and Teancum
Location: Albion Basin Campground, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Salt Lake, Utah
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Status: Active

At the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon is a lovely little campground called Albion Basin. And from that campground is a lovely little hiking trail that leads you to Cecret Lake (pronounced like "secret"). If you hike in the earlier morning or earlier evening, you will most likely see moose on the trail. (Be wary! They are beautiful, but dangerous. Keep your distance!) The Albion Basin is also known for its amazing display of wildflowers in the spring (usually late June/early July) and autumn leaves in the fall (September/October).

Directions: Drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon up to the very top. The paved section of the road ends after you reach Alta. Continue up the dirt road to the very top, where you will find a parking area adjacent to the campground area. Park there. Head to the west side of the campground to find the trail. It's a fairly heavily used trail, so you shouldn't have much difficulty finding it. The trail will take you through the campground and in a southernly direction towards the lake.

Wildflowers-- When you reach the wildflowers information sign, head on the social trail directly to the west of the sign that leads to the giant split boulder. Wildflowers are hiding under the south side near the split.

Moose-- From the wildlife information sign, head on the social trail west of the sign about 100-ish steps to a large, flat rock on your right. It's next to a scrawny pine tree. Check carefully underneath to find a moose.

Shh! It's A Cecret!-- When you reach the lake, head to the left of the "No Swimming" sign less than 10 steps. To your left will be a large, long flattish rock. Look underneath.

Notes: This canyon is a watershed. No dogs allowed! Because of the high elevation, be aware that this trail may not be open until late June (typical), or even July (if there's been heavy snowfall in the winter). It can close as early as September, depending (again) on snowfall.