A few occasional snow shower aside, Utah seems to finally be in full springtime mode. They say that April showers bring May flowers...but that's not quite the case in the Beehive State. Our high elevations often mean that the best wildflowers show up in June or even July.
You might need to wait about a month to start enjoying this wildflower trail, but you'll definitely want to put it on your calendar, because this meadow is spectacular.
You'll find the Albion Meadows Trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Drive up the canyon to Alta Ski Resort and park at the base; you'll find the trailhead right behind Albion Grill. If you're feeling kind of lazy, you can continue along the Albion Basin Road. This summer road has two small parking lots that give you direct access to the field of wildflowers, but the lots fill up pretty quickly on summer weekends. As an alternative, take the free Albion Basin Shuttle, which runs on weekends and holidays.
From the lower parking lot, the hike is just over 3.5 miles, with an elevation gain of 744 feet.
The hike from the upper parking lot along Albion Basin Road is just one mile long, with an elevation gain of just 406 feet.
No matter which starting point you choose, the views of this meadow full of vibrant wildflowers will blow you away.
The Albion Basin is an explosion of color during the summer months.
You'll find vibrant lupine, and many other kinds of wildflowers here. Resist the temptation to pick them; leave them so that others can enjoy them, too.
The trail is easy enough for just about everyone. Kids love the easy hike, and photographers go crazy here when the wildflowers are in full regalia.
Alta Resort's base sits at 8,530 feet, so some people may experience difficulty due to the high elevation of this trail.
The Albion Meadows Trail is very popular during summer months, but you'll find a little more peace and quiet during weekday mornings.
If the meadow is crowded with other nature seekers, don't despair; maybe you'll make a new friend or two!
If you're up for a little more hiking, continue on to Cecret Lake.
The trail adds another 1.6 miles to your hike, but you'll enjoy the splendor of this beautiful alpine lake. The trail to the lake is a little more challenging, with a bit more of an elevation climb, but it's well worth the little bit of extra effort.
Have you hiked the Albion Meadows Trail? We'd love to see your wildflowers pics!
If you just can't get enough of wildflowers, here's a slightly more difficult wildflower trail in American Fork Canyon.
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