Discover A Pristine Paradise When You Visit Utah’s Albion Basin

The area surrounding two of Utah's renowned ski resorts takes on a much different look in the summer. In the absence of snow, blooming wildflowers create a spectacular setting in the Albion Basin of Little Cottonwood Canyon. The cooler temperatures at an elevation of 9,500 feet, above the Snowbird and Alta resorts in Little Cottonwood Canyon, make the Albion Basin especially inviting in July and August. Multiple trails draw hikers to the area, but imagine this: The wildflowers are visible even from the parking lot. A short, easy walk among the flowers is another alternative.

Sunflowers, lupines, paintbrush and other flowers bloom in Albion Basin.

The trails of the Albion Basin are fairly smooth and flat, in addition to providing great scenery up close and on all sides.

The town of Alta is only 28 miles from downtown Salt Lake City, yet the setting of Albion Basin seems far removed.

A moose, spotted along the trail to Cecret Lake, is among the mammals that populate the Albion Basin, along with several species of birds.

Trails go in various directions and lengths in the Albion Basin, creating many options for visitors.

Speaking of "pristine," Cecret Lake is a big attraction to hikers in the Albion Basin.

The mountain setting frames the wildflowers of the Albion Basin.

The volume and variety of wildflowers will have visitors asking one another, "Which is your favorite?"

The Albion Basin is open to walking and hiking from the spring through the fall, but the emergence of the wildflowers makes July and August a particularly attractive time to visit. The area is part of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. For more information about the Albion Basin, see the U.S. Forest Service website.