June 26 - Cecret Lake (and Saddle)

Heading to Secret Lake today in the Albion Basin (which is past the end of road in Little Cottonwood Canyon). The road ends at the town of Alta (aka Alta Ski Resort). The only way I've ever gotten into the basin is driving a dirt summer road to a couple of parking areas and started my hiking there.

Unfortunately, the summer road is not yet open -- it opens on July 1. While looking for the opening date, I found out that I can actually start my hike from Albion base parking at the ski resort. The hike is through mountains meadows that look spectacular when the flower blooms are at their peak.

I'm excited for the new trail -- even though the flowers are several weeks away from their peak.

I start around 8am. The trail (for the most part) is a ski cat dirt road. The trail starts around 8800ft -- it's in the shade and very cool. Which is nice because I'm going uphill at total of 1500 ft to get to the lake at 9920. (2.25 miles one way)

Lots of green plants on both sides of the trail. The flowers in bloom are the "usuals" - bluebells, Forget-me-knots, strawberries, wallflowers, geraniums (white and pink), penstemon and Red Paintbrush (it's becoming more common now). And I can't forget the Columbine!

This is prime moose habitat so I'm keeping my eyes open and scanning.

This is an interpretive trail so there are little stopping points showing/explaining native wildlife, etc.

Peaceful walk with birds chirping and water running down streams.

No snow so far but it may be coming further along.

I pass thru one very tiny wetland area and the Shooting Stars are blooming.

I finally make it out of the wooded section into the sunlight and the "basin". Very green and no snow to be seen - well, there are some patches higher in the mountains. Devil's Castle is ahead of me (a 10900 ft peak) and will get closer as I approach Cecret Lake.

I finally get the Cecret Ski Lift at 9260ft but continue past. I'm out of the meadow and into a forested section. There's a stream running next to the trail. And some Marsh Marigolds -- these look a little past bloom.

I arrive at the next lift - this ends the "Upper Albion Meadows Trail" w/ 1100ft gained. And starts the 3/4 mile trail to Cecret Lake. (Much easier when the road is open and I can see the closed trail head parking.)

Still following creeks and crossing through wets spots. I see buttercups and Spring Beauties.

The trail once again opens up to wonderful views of Devils Castle

which I get to look at the rest of the way to the lake.

Have to cross two creeks - one on logs and one on rocks -- nothing big or deep though.One of those creeks has many Marsh Marigolds growing around it.

And one patch of snow to get around too.

Now starts the rocky climb to the lake.

I can see a waterfall flowing out of Cecret Lake in the distance.

And Devil's Castle is only bigger.

I get up the rocky trail and arrive at a stunning lake.

I circle around to the far side enjoying the views (of Devil's Castle).

The water is calm and I can see fish in the water. Actually, they look a little funny for fish....they're actually immature salamanders (Tiger Salamanders)!!

I'm feeling good so I decided to follow a trail that goes above the lake to the saddle. I'm not sure of the elevation change but it's up and rocky. But extremely pretty.

The lake is getting smaller and smaller.

Lots of flowers blooming on the rocks --- the summer show here has started!

I spot a Two Banded Skipper and then another.

I finally get to the saddle.

There's snow up here! (I'm above 10K ft now.)

I follow a tiny stream west through some just melted areas.

And come across a profusion of Marsh Marigolds -- spectacular!!

And I'm under a ski lift again.

I should turn back but my curiosity is up (and it's barely 9:30). I know if I follow the trail it will take me to a road which will take me to Germania Pass -- not on my plan today but definitely in my plans for the future.

There are some White butterflies flying -- they won't stop long enough for an ID.

I decide to follow the road for a bit before deciding to turn around (probably not far from the pass, but gives me incentive to come back .... and see more flowers).

Stop at one of the snowy gullies.

And the views are better heading back to Cecret Lake.

Heading back down the trail to the lake and spot a Yellow-belled Marmot running along the rocks.
He's definitely on the move.

Lovely day!