There’s nothing better than escaping the noise of everyday life and getting out into nature. What could be better than a beautiful lake hidden by crazy rock formations? 

Cecret Lake can be found in Little Cottonwood Canyon in the Alta Ski Area. The Cecret Lake Trail is a wonderful, family friendly hike with gorgeous views all-around. You can even make a weekend out of it and stay at the Albion Basin Campground right next to the trailhead. It’s around 2-miles out-and-back with some steep spots. The final stretch to the lake is a steep, rocky climb up the mountain. If you have young children with you, make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t slip. 

Once you get past the climb, the lake greets you with its beauty. You can enjoy the trail around the lake or find a rock to sit and enjoy the breeze at the top. If you want the “over-achiever” award, you can continue up the mountain for an extra climb and complete the Sugarloaf Peak Trail. This trail will take you up the basin until you reach the top of the Sugarloaf Lift for Alta Ski Area. From there, it’s a quick (and briefly steep) scramble up to the Sugarloaf Summit. 

This spot can get crowded, so if you don’t want to be surrounded by other hikers, you’ll want to hit the trail early. The parking lot gets especially crowded around 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. There is a $12 fee to get to the parking lot and you will have to wait at the tollbooth if the parking lot is full. 

The Cecret Lake Trail is a very scenic hike, with plenty of wildflowers and wildlife to keep you entertained. Be aware of the moose that frequent the lake and areas around it. They are pretty docile creatures, but are known to be unpredictable. Their attitude can change abruptly and if they feel threatened or cornered, they can charge. If you do spot a moose along the trail or at the lake, give it plenty of space and keep an eye on it. While not as common, the area is known to have bear sightings, as well. If you come across a black bear, stay far away and keep an eye on it.