A short eight-mile drive from Alta sits a growing metropolitan area. As the surrounding Salt Lake Valley grows so does visitation to Alta’s fragile sub-alpine environment. With this tremendous growth in visitation, it is more important than ever that we all do our part in being stewards of the land, from the top of Baldy to the Albion Basin, from the Englemann Spruce to the Wasatch Penstemon.
Whether you are hiking with the family on a cool summer evening, trail running or mountain biking, thank you for joining the Alta Environmental Center and all of our partners in recreating responsibly so that we can all preserve this environment for future generations.
Trail etiquette
- Don’t pick or trample the wildflowers or remove resources from Forest Service land
- Respect the wildlife - these are wild animals do not approach them; be mindful that you are in their habitat
- Please read and respect all trail signs - they have important information!
- Stay on the trails - even when taking photos
- Yield to uphill traffic
- Bikers yield to hikers
- Leave no trace and clean up after yourself
- Respect others - be friendly and have fun!
Alta Ski Area is always working to restore resources due to user impact. Please respect the roped-off areas that help reverse resource damage and user-created trails.
Why We Don’t Pick Wildflowers | US Forest Service >
Protected Watershed
All of Little Cottonwood Canyon is a watershed that provides drinking water to the Town of Alta and the Salt Lake Valley. The Town of Alta and Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities strictly enforce regulations to keep our water clean.
- Dogs and horses are prohibited in Little Cottonwood Canyon
- Swimming and wading are prohibited in Alta's lakes and streams
- Never drink from streams or lakes
- Backcountry campsites must be 200 feet from water and a half-mile from any road
Hiking in Alta
However you choose to move through the mountains—whether it's enjoying the wildflowers in July or the thrill of summiting a peak—we ask that you do so with care and respect to the resources. With over 13 miles of trails in Alta Ski Area, finding the right hike for you on the Summer Trail Map can be intimidating. It's important to have a game plan when you head into the mountains.
Family-Friendly Hikes
Explore the Albion Basin via the Summer Road
Starting from Catherine’s Pass Trailhead, check out the new staircase built by our AEC staff in partnership with the Forest Service. Head down the new switchback trail into the Albion Basin to enjoy the wildflowers and views of Devil's Castle and Mount Superior. If you want to keep going, hike up past Alf’s to the campground and back down the summer road to make it a longer loop and a chance to see some wildlife!
Lower Albion Meadows via the Wildcat Base Area
The Lower Albion Meadows trail connects Alta's Wildcat and Albion base areas. This is a great trail for new hikers, starting at the base of the Wildcat lift and ending near the Albion Day Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing hike through the wildflowers on Alf's High Rustler and the pines below Eagle's Nest. At the end of the trail, head back to the Wildcat base area by walking alongside the Transfer Tow and what used to be the main drag of the historic mining town of Alta. For a longer hike, continue up the switchbacks on the Upper Albion Meadows Trail.
Pro tip: Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. Be prepared and pack extra layers for you and your family.
Summer Trail Map and Trail Updates
Trail Running
Trail running is a great way to enjoy the many miles of Alta’s hiking trails. There is something beautiful in the simplicity of lacing up your running shoes and exploring mountain trails above 8,500 feet. This sport can offer a quiet solace from the busy world, a way to collect your thoughts and clear your mind.
- Yield to uphill traffic
- Stay on designated trails and roads
- Be respectful of wildflowers and keep an eye out for wildlife
- Make sure that all micro trash (little tiny corners of energy bar wrappers) end up in your pocket
Mountain Biking
The trails of Alta are steep, rocky and unforgiving. While you won’t find the flow trails and manicured berms that have helped make mountain biking the fastest-growing sports in mountain communities, Alta has some challenging trails and incredible views along the way, but you'll have to work for it—Alta Ski Area does not provide lift-served mountain biking.
As you bike, please consider the following:
- Biking is prohibited on the Cecret Lake trail
- Stay on designated trails and roads
- Ride safely and courteously
- Bikes must yield to all other trail users
- Avoid biking on wet or muddy trails
Pro tip: Snowbird offers the best mountain biking in Little Cottonwood Canyon, providing bike rentals and mountain bike crafted trails.