Cecert Lake: Little Cottonwood Canyon

On Friday, I took the kids on a hike up Little Cottonwood Canyon. There is a lake called Cecert Lake located at the very top of Alta Ski resort. I had heard that this hike has limited parking up by the campground, and to go early on a weekday to avoid the crowds...and WOW, was that right. 

We got up there around 10 am on a Friday morning, and the parking lot was full.  I decided to drive around and wait for about 15 minutes up at the campground to ensure we got a parking spot. After about 10 minutes or so, we finally got lucky when a truck pulled out. The trail is about 1.0 mile so I knew my kids could do it, however, one thing I didn't realize was the steepness of this hike. It is straight up for the entire 1 mile. We went slow and took our time, since I was solo, carrying a 22lb Naomi on my stomach and a 10 lb back pack full of water, snacks, diapers and wipes. It was quite the trek, but it was so worth it. At the top we got a surprise visit from a giant moose....he was just laying and relaxing down by the lake. It was awesome to see the moose so close. 

We stayed by the lake for about a half hour before making our way back down. It was beautiful but super crowded! There were at least 150 people going up and down this trail.

The area is filled with beautiful wildflowers

The start of the trail by the camp ground

There was shade at the very beginning of the trail (which was nice)

My little hiker

These two are great climbers and hikers

The hike is pretty steep

Look, mom we are at the top the earth!

At Cecert Lake

A failed attempt to get a sibling picture

My hiking buddies

My hiking squad

The giant moose laying down

The moose

Overview: This is a very short 1 mile hike to a beautiful alpine lake in the Albion Basin region near Alta and Snowbird Ski Resorts. This area is very popular on summer weekends so parking may be difficult. Take the time to relax at the lake and take lots of photos of your family with the mountains as a backdrop.

Tips: Directions:
From I-15 in Sandy, UT take exit #298 and head east on Highway 209 for 7 miles to where it joins 210 (Little Cottonwood Canyon Road). At this junction (with a big flashing message sign) drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon for 11 miles to a parking lot on the left side of the road just before the Albion Basin Campground. It is best to arrive early as sometimes the road is closed due to large weekend crowds.