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Albion Meadows Trail

Alta, Utah

4.9/5
based on 7 reviews

Details

Distance

2.86 miles

Elevation Gain

696 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Lindsay Daniels

During the right months, Albion Meadows Trail offers an incredible array of wildflowers with beautiful mountain scenery.

At Albion Basin, wildflowers you will see include lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, fireweed, and many more!

Drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill. There is a trail just behind the Grill that takes you through a variety of wildflowers and offers great mountain views. As you hike up the trail, keep right to get a view of Devils Castle (maybe 1/4 mile). Keep an eye out for moose and deer as they are always hanging around this area.

There is also a 'drive-thru' option: to gain easy access, but not as convenient parking, keep driving straight until Little Cottonwood Canyon Road turns into a dirt road called Albion Basin Road. This road takes you to the trailhead of Catherine Pass and Cecret Lake, where there are two small parking lots for each. These lots fill up quickly during peak wildflower season, and parking along the side of the road is not allowed. I would only suggest this option if you don't plan on getting out of your car (but what fun is that!?).

If you want alpenglow on Devils Castle, the best time to shoot is at sunset. Sunrise is a lot quieter, and can offer a different perspective, so don't rule it out as an option. Regarding time of year, the wildflower season at Albion Basin typically peaks around the middle of July.

If you're looking for a late bite to eat after waiting out sunset, try the Porcupine Grill at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon, or Akasaka Sushi on 6196 Highland Drive.

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Features

Chillin
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Food Nearby
Forest
Scenic
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Albion Meadows Trail Reviews

Beautiful flowers and easy, comfortable hike with kids

Serene and beautiful

Great!

The snow just melted a week or two ago up here so this place is going crazy woth the wildflowers! I hiked from Alta up to Cecret Lake (with a toddler on my back) and it kind of kicked my butt!! It's a fairly steep incline all the way up! So 2.8 miles up feels like 5. But the descent was a breeeeze!! I went on a Wednesday afternoon in July and it really wasnt crowded! I saw maybe 50 other people the whole time!! Go go go!!!!

The wildflower bloom here is world famous, and for good reason. It's an experience everyone should have at least once. A sense of humor and common courtesy is needed here during the busy times, especially at sunset since this is a popular destination for family photos during the bloom. Go early in the morning for the best chance at solitude.

There is no place like Albion Basin when the flowers are in full blossom. It is teaming with life and perfect for photography or wildlife watching.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Cecret Lake from Albion Basin

Backcountry Ski Grizzly Gulch

Mountain Bike Catherine's Pass

Spring Backcountry Ski Alta Ski Area

Milky Way Astrophotography At Alta

Snowshoeing Twin Lakes Pass