Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake
Adventure Destination

Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake

Cecret Lake, with its crystal-clear waters in the Wasatch Range near Alta, offers a moderate hike featuring wildlife like marmots and moose. Ideal for summer wildflower viewing, it's a family-friendly spot perfect for photography and picnicking.

Hiking8.4/10Moderate
Photo Gallery

Category

Hiking

Typical Duration

2-4 hours

Difficulty

Moderate

About This Adventure Destination

Cecret Lake, located near Alta in Utah’s Wasatch Range, offers a crisp, refreshing outdoor experience for visitors seeking both natural beauty and accessible adventure. This alpine lake sits at about 9,500 feet elevation and stands out for its crystal-clear waters and panoramic views framed by rugged mountain peaks. Unlike larger regional destinations crowded with tourists, Cecret Lake provides a peaceful retreat with a small but striking body of water surrounded by wildflower-studded meadows during the summer months.

The trail to the lake is a popular choice due to its moderate difficulty and family-friendly approach, making it suitable for hikers of all ages. Along the hike, visitors often spot local wildlife such as marmots and even moose, adding a memorable element to the journey. The lake itself features a gently flowing spillway and sometimes retains patches of snow or ice late into summer, offering visual contrast against the surrounding greenery. The rocky terrain nearby reveals sedimentary geological formations, reminding visitors of the area's ancient natural history.

This location receives praise for its tranquility, fresh mountain air, and stunning vistas, which become especially magical at sunset when the water reflects the glowing sky and lofty ridgelines. Cecret Lake also connects to longer trails like the Lupine Loop leading toward Baldy, Sugarloaf, and Mineral Basin, inviting visitors to expand their adventure.

Accessible within a short drive from Alta, Cecret Lake provides a quick alpine getaway filled with majestic scenery and gentle hiking, making it a standout natural spot in the Utah mountains.

Editorial Assessment

Cecret Lake offers stunning natural beauty with accessible hiking trails and a picturesque alpine setting, making it a popular regional destination.

Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake

Adventure Guide to Emerald Oasis: Cecret Lake

1

Hiking at Cecret Lake

  • What makes it special: The hike is roughly 4.5 miles roundtrip, with a moderate incline and some rocky sections near the end. Suitable for families and casual hikers, it rewards visitors with breathtaking views and wildflower meadows.
  • Key features: Alpine lake, mountain ridgelines, occasional snow patches, marmots, and moose sightings.
  • Visitor tips: Start early to avoid crowds; best visited mid-July to late summer for full wildflower bloom. Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring water. The trailhead is accessible via a short drive from Alta (about 15 minutes). Parking fills quickly on weekends.
2

Wildflower Viewing

  • What makes it special: Summer flowers burst in colors across the surrounding area, making photo opportunities abundant. The nearby Lupine Loop trail enhances this experience.
  • Key features: Lupines, Indian paintbrush, violet wildflowers.
  • Local insight: Peak bloom typically occurs late July; summers here are mild and perfect for day trips.
  • Visitor tips: Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Check weather before traveling—sudden mountain storms can occur.
3

Photography and Wildlife Spotting

  • What makes it special: Cecret Lake’s reflective water and rugged backdrop create perfect shots at sunrise or sunset. Wildlife such as marmots and sometimes moose add life to outdoor photography.
  • Key features: Crystal-clear lake, mountain reflections, alpine wildlife.
  • Local insight: Quiet mornings increase chances for animal sightings.
  • Visitor tips: Use a telephoto lens for wildlife; stay on trails to protect the environment. Respect wildlife distance for safety.
4

Getting There

  • Overview: From Salt Lake City, take I-215 to I-80 East, then exit onto UT-210 toward Alta. The drive takes approximately 40 minutes. Follow signs to Albion Basin parking lot; from there, the trail inlet leads to Cecret Lake in about 40 minutes of walking. --- Enjoy the serene beauty and easy access of Cecret Lake, where mountain tranquility and outdoor adventure comfortably meet.

Reviews

R
R Shepherda week ago

Moderate hike. I don’t know what’s prettier some of the views on the way up or the lake itself. Utah never disappoints.

B
Ben Woolleya week ago

Loved it here! An easy hike on the way up, and I was doubtful that I would see any salamanders or axolotl but we saw a lot! They were cute and awesome would definitivamente check it out

A
Aiyana Plantard de Saint-Claira week ago

I have seen so many videos the last few weeks about Cecret Lake! My son is absolutely enthralled with Axolotl's, so I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to make the trip and go explore! What the videos DIDN'T inform us of, was the $12 entrance fee, or the fact that this hike is a bit difficult for some! I am pregnant, so it was a great deal more challenging for me. On the way up to the lake, I witnessed a lot of very young children who were not happy to be walking. My 6 year old kept up very well, however! I was honestly pretty shocked he did better than I did! We made it up, and walked around the entire lake. We didn't see any axolotl's so we were pretty disappointed. On the way out to go home, we happened to hear a little girl yell "OH MY GOSH AN AXOLOTL!" So that was our cue to return to go see them! They were in a rather awkward spot right in the middle of the lake. I am SO happy we got to see them before we left! This was such a fun little early day trip with my little family! We ended up leaving and going straight to Ogden Canyon for a wedding reception that night, so it was overall a very long day. With it being so long and me being pregnant, I was REALLY worried that I was going to be sore, but I wasn't! I have already told others about it, and I made SURE to include the hiking aspect and price in my own online video so others are more informed prior to making the trip!

M
Mallory Roberts2 weeks ago

Saw a few salamanders today! Nice hike with a little terrain at the lake.

L
Leslie Perry3 weeks ago

Love the lake and the hike to it! So pretty with the wildflowers.

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Explore the 1.7-mile Cecret Lake Trail near Alta, Utah. This moderately challenging route offers stunning views of the Wasatch Mountains and is popular for hiking and wildlife watching. Enjoy the striking alpine lake and vibrant wildflowers.

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