Summer in the Cottonwood Canyons of Utah is a spectacular time of year. As the snow melts, colorful wildflowers cover the mountainsides, alpine lakes become accessible again, and miles of hiking trails open throughout the beautiful Wasatch Mountains.
Little Cottonwood Canyon winds through rugged peaks above the Salt Lake Valley to the mountain town of Alta, only about 30 miles from Salt Lake City. Nearby, Big Cottonwood Canyon leads toward Brighton and Solitude, while Park City and Utah Olympic Park make easy additions to a longer summer trip.
Best known for skiing and snowboarding in winter, Alta transforms into a peaceful alpine playground during the summer season. From hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing, live music, horseback riding, and scenic drives, there are plenty of Alta, Utah summer activities for the whole family.
Summer in Little Cottonwood Canyon
At the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon lies the historic site where Mormon pioneers quarried massive granite slabs used to build the Salt Lake Temple. At the top of the canyon, Alta sits surrounded by some of Utah’s most recognizable mountain scenery.
Alta is best known as one of North America’s top-ranked ski destinations, but the landscape changes completely once ski season ends.
During the summer months, Alta Ski Area and neighboring Snowbird Resort trade deep snow and busy slopes for wildflowers, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and community events. Snowbird also has seasonal attractions that make for a fun family afternoon. A day trip to Park City Mountain and Utah Olympic Park adds activities like alpine slides and other mountain rides.
Wildflowers in Albion Basin
Albion Basin is renowned for its colorful wildflowers in summer and is one of the most popular places to experience Alta on foot. The basin also serves as the starting point for several popular hiking trails, including the route to Cecret Lake, a small alpine lake surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery.
The Wasatch Wildflower Festival takes place each July and includes free, family-friendly guided and self-guided hikes, educational activities, and opportunities to learn from local naturalists. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated trails and never pick or trample flowers. Along with guided walks and naturalist presentations, the festival includes activities such as crafts and music for kids and families.
You can also explore independently. The Albion Basin Summer Road provides scenic vehicle access toward Catherine’s Pass and the Cecret Lake Trailhead. The 2.5-mile dirt road currently requires a $12 vehicle amenity fee, and access depends on parking availability.
Hiking
You could hike a different trail every day of your stay in Alta. The area has more than 16 miles of trails and ski area service roads, ranging from leisurely walks through wildflower meadows to steeper routes leading toward alpine lakes and high mountain passes.
Cecret Lake is one of the area’s signature summer hikes, beginning near the Albion Basin Campground. Other trails lead toward Catherine’s Pass, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and higher reaches of the canyon.
July and August are especially beautiful for hiking, when wildflowers are blooming, and much of the higher terrain has shed its winter snow. Mountain weather can change quickly, so arrive prepared with water, sun protection, sturdy gear, and an extra layer.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is permitted on Alta Ski Area service roads and certain designated trails, making it another fun way to explore the mountain during summer. Alta Ski Area recommends its service roads and designated bike-friendly trails, but biking is prohibited on the Cecret Lake Trail.
Riders can climb the Summer Road from the Albion base area, explore the Devil’s Castle Loop, and descend through Albion Basin. More experienced riders can tackle challenging terrain beneath the Sunnyside lift. Snowbird also has bike rentals and purpose-built mountain biking trails nearby.
Fishing
Big Cottonwood Canyon has more fishing opportunities than Little Cottonwood Canyon, but anglers can still find secluded alpine lakes near Alta stocked with brook and rainbow trout. Fishing is available in several secluded alpine lakes near Alta, giving anglers the chance to combine a day of hiking with time on the water.
Always check current Utah fishing regulations before your trip and remember that Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected watershed.
Rock Climbing
Some of Utah’s most famous rock climbing is found on the granite walls of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Routes range from approachable crags to challenging climbs on steep canyon walls, giving both first-timers and experienced climbers plenty to explore.
The canyon’s granite formations have made it a destination for climbers from around the world. If you’re new to the sport, consider heading out with an experienced guide who can provide the proper gear and help select a route suited to your ability.
Horseback Riding Near Alta
You can’t ride horseback directly in Alta because of Little Cottonwood Canyon’s protected watershed regulations, but several scenic options are within day-trip distance.
Rocky Mountain Outfitters at Soldier Hollow Stables in nearby Midway leads guided rides through the Heber Valley with views of Mount Timpanogos and Deer Creek Reservoir. Trips are available for a range of experience levels, making horseback riding a relaxed way for families and first-timers to see another side of the Wasatch Mountains.
ATV & UTV Backcountry Adventures
If you want to cover more ground than you can on a hiking trail, consider adding an ATV or UTV trip to your summer itinerary.
Guided excursions around the Heber Valley and Wasatch Mountain State Park take riders through forests, mountain terrain, and open meadows. It’s a fun change of pace after a few days of hiking and gives kids and adults another way to experience Utah’s backcountry.
Combine the ride with a scenic drive toward Park City or Midway for an easy full-day adventure away from Alta.
Take a Scenic Drive
Sometimes the best summer activity is simply getting in the car and seeing where the road takes you.
Explore Little Cottonwood Canyon before heading toward Big Cottonwood Canyon, Brighton, and Solitude. From there, Guardsman Pass creates a beautiful seasonal route toward Park City and the Heber Valley, with mountain overlooks and trailheads along the way.
Another worthwhile stop is Utah Olympic Park near Park City. During the 2026 summer season, activities include the Alpine Slide, summer bobsled, extreme tubing, ziplines, adventure courses, and scenic chairlift rides.
Summer Events, Yoga, Food & Live Music
Summer in Alta isn’t only about the trails. Local events give visitors plenty of reasons to stick around after an afternoon of exploring.
Seasonal outdoor yoga classes take place in the mountains, and the Alta Environmental Center hosts stewardship and educational programs that let visitors learn more about the area’s plants, wildlife, and fragile alpine environment. Depending on the week you visit, you may also find guided nature activities, birding events, music, or arts programs.
When you’re ready for food and a craft beer, Alta has several summer dining options. The Gulch Pub at Snowpine Lodge serves drinks and small bites with live music on select evenings, while Swen’s Restaurant offers fine dining. Alta Lodge also serves its popular Sunday brunch during the summer months.
Plan Your Summer Stay in Alta
Alta may be famous for winter, but summer shows off an entirely different side of the mountains. Spend the morning hiking through Albion Basin, take an afternoon ride through the Wasatch backcountry, explore Little Cottonwood Canyon, and finish the evening with live music, good food, and cool mountain air.
With fewer crowds, beautiful scenery, and activities for families, couples, and outdoor adventurers, summer is a great time to slow down and experience Alta beyond the ski slopes.
Alta Chalets has been welcoming guests to the Cottonwood Canyons for more than 30 years, with vacation homes that make a comfortable base for exploring Alta, Snowbird, Salt Lake City, and the surrounding mountains. Browse our Alta Chalets vacation rentals and start planning a summer trip filled with hiking, wildflowers, scenic adventures, and plenty of time outside.