SparkSaltLakeCity

• Location Address:6944 South 5000 East, Little Cottonwood Canyon 84121  view full map & directions
• Website:http://www.utah.com/thingtodo23542.htm

The trail begins at the entrance to the Albion Basin Campground (N40° 34' 40", W111° 36' 47"). From the Albion Basin Campground entrance the trail hikes around the west side of the campground and intersects an access road. Follow the access road west. After a short distance the access road will fork with the right fork leading to a cabin and the left fork leading to Secret Lake. Take the left fork and continue to Secret Lake. (The hike is 3/4 mile and will require 30 to 45 minutes to reach Secret Lake.) The road you are following shortly turns into a wide trail as it climbs past an old mine to Secret Lake. The area is criss-crossed with minor trails, just keep following the most well used trail west and you will reach Secret Lake (N40° 34' 18", W111° 37' 17"). Enjoy the view of the North Face of Devils Castle as you hike to the lake. This view is very impressive.

The trail to Secret Lake is a relatively easy hike, so if you have energy to burn, you may wish to continue your hike to the summit of 11,051' Sugarloaf Peak. Those who like a real challenge can try to complete the Devils Castle Traverse. Sugarloaf Peak is the 13th highest peak in Salt Lake City and one of the easier high summits to reach.

Directions to the Trailhead: From I-15 in Sandy, Utah take Exit #298 (9000 South) and head east on Highway 209 (9000 South) for 6.9 miles at which point Highway 209 joins Highway 210 (Little Cottonwood Canyon Road) at a Y-Junction. All mileage in this canyon is measured from this Y-Junction. The junction is identified be a huge flashing message board on the south side of the road and a park and ride lot on the north side of the canyon. The park and ride lot has a restroom.

From the Y-Junction at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon drive up canyon 11.1 miles to a parking lot on the left side of the road just before the entrance to Albion Basin Campground. The road up Little Cottonwood Canyon is paved as far as the Alta Ski Resort but the last 2.4 miles of the road is a well maintained gravel road.

Parking in the upper canyon is limited and the road above Alta Ski Resort is often closed when crowds in the upper canyon become to large. If you want to be assured of a parking place on a weekend it is best to arrive early (before 9:00 a.m.).

Note: NO DOMESTIC ANIMALS are permitted in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Remember this is a beautiful area and what you pack in please pack it out.