Even though Alta, Utah, is known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding, the summer season is a peaceful time to watch the area come alive with colorful wildflowers, diverse wildlife, and summer sports.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Albion Basin without the distraction of winter tourists. Here are a few ideas of fun things to do in the Town of Alta during the summer!
Hiking
Hiking is one of the best ways to enjoy the Town of Alta’s natural summer beauty. No matter your experience level, you’ll be able to choose from over 13 miles of trails.
Before you hit the trails, research online to ensure they’re open—specific hikes may be closed for construction, maintenance, or poor weather. When they’re available, here are a few of our favorites:
Cecret Lake Trail
Cecret Lake Trail is perhaps the most iconic hike in the Salt Lake City area. This scenic 1.8-mile out and back trail only gains 500 feet in elevation, making it perfect for all experience levels.
You can access the Cecret Lake trailhead from the Albion Basin Campground. During the hike, you’ll see hundreds of colorful wildflowers and local wildlife, like moose and hummingbirds. Best of all, the hike ends overlooking a gorgeous alpine lake.
If you’re looking for more of a challenge, continue from Cecret Lake to Sugarloaf Peak—this challenging hike gains 1,300 feet in elevation!
Catherine’s Pass Trail
Catherine’s Pass Trail is a 3-mile, moderate hike that offers excellent mountain views of Devil’s Castle and Mount Superior. You’ll also love the views of Lake Mary, Lake Martha, and Lake Catherine you can see at the end of the hike!
Catherine’s Pass is located in Albion Basin near the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon. During the hike, look closely at the lush vegetation and the critters that make their home in the Albion Basin, like moose, deer, butterflies, and other insects.
You can also access short hikes to Point Supreme, Sunset Peak, Sunset Pass, or into Brighton and Big Cottonwood Canyon from Catherine’s Pass.
Collins Gulch to Germania Pass
If you’re looking for a more challenging trail, this one’s for you. The Collins Gulch to Germania Pass hike is about five miles round trip, and you’ll gain over 2,000 feet in elevation.
At the end of the hike, you’ll be met with incredible views of the Albion Basin—including Cecret Lake. You’ll also trek through pine forests, wildflower meadows, and other alpine terrains for a challenging yet rewarding hiking experience!
Mountain Biking
Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker or a total beginner, don’t miss the chance to rent a bike and hit the trails near the Town of Alta!
Catherine’s Pass Trail
Caterine’s Pass is an excellent hiking trail, but it makes a great mountain biking trail, too. You’ll see the same alpine lake views, lush foliage, and wildlife from a unique perspective on your mountain bike!
Plus, if you’re with a large group, some may choose to hike while others decide to bike Catherine’s Pass. It’s a beautiful trail, no matter how you choose to explore!
Devil’s Castle Loop Pass
Devil’s Castle Loop Pass is a strenuous biking trail that’s located in the Albion Basin. This 3.5-mile scenic biking trail will take you through the jagged rocks of Devil’s Castle, and you can often see wildlife that’s in the area.
Only experienced mountain bikers should attempt to pedal through Devil’s Castle—it’s a steep, rocky trail that gains 1,500 feet in elevation. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the views are amazing!
Fishing
Although swimming is prohibited in most lakes between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, you can go fishing!
Lake Mary, Lake Martha, Lake Catherine, and Cecret Lake are all excellent fishing spots. Bring fishing gear along on all your hikes, and stop at the lake to see what you can catch! The lakes are home to brook, cutthroat, and stocked rainbow trout.
Be mindful that many lakes in the Albion Basin, like Cecret Lake, are catch-and-release only. Study the rules of each lake before visiting to be respectful of the wildlife in the area.
Rock Climbing
Rock-climbing is one of the best things to do near the Town of Alta during the summer! Between Big Cottonwood Canyon and Little Cottonwood Canyon, there are hundreds of rock-climbing trails to explore. Hellgate Cliffs, Cecret Lake, and Devil’s Castle are a few of the most popular spots for climbing and bouldering.
Trad, sport, and boulder climbs are most popular in this area. Big Cottonwood Canyon has more quartzite boulders that are slippery and hard, whereas Little Cottonwood Canyon has more granite boulders that are easier to climb. Your experience level will likely dictate where you choose to climb while you’re visiting the Town of Alta. If you want to experience the thrills of the mountains without the effort of climbing, you should check out Snowbird’s Mountain Coaster for another fun summer activity!
For even more ideas check out our post about 8 Amazing Things to Do in Snowbird Utah in Summer.
Stay Close to the Town of Alta’s Outdoor Oasis this Summer with Alta Chalets
Looking for a place to relax and unwind after a busy day exploring the beautiful Albion Basin and Town of Alta? We’d love to host you at Alta Chalets!
Our spacious, comfortable vacation rentals are situated between the Snowbird Ski Resort and Alta Ski Area Resort for close access to restaurants, amenities, and summer activities in and around the Town of Alta. We can accommodate anywhere from 4 – 23 people, so we’re the perfect venue for your summer vacation or family reunion.
We’ve operated for more than 30+ years as a small, family-run business. We’d love to book a fun, personalized vacation experience you and your family will remember for years to come. Contact us today!
