Sugarloaf Mountain is the peak directly behind Cecret Lake. It is over 11,000 feet high and one of the easier peaks to summit. A few easier peaks are Sunset Peak and Mount Tuscarora. This photo of Sugarloaf behind Cecret Lake makes the mountain look deceptively small.
Do you see the beautiful textures of the peak reflected in the lake?
There are a few different ways to get to Cecret Lake. You can pay the $10 fee to drive to the Albion Basin Campground and then it’s only 1.8 easy miles or you can take the longer 4.5 moderate mile hike from Alta, up through the Albion Meadows.
From Albion Basin Campground Parking
This method is quickest and easiest. Here are a few pictures of this route.
For all the details on this trail, click here.
From the Albion Base at Alta
This method is longer, but only moderately difficult. It has even more wildflowers than the other trail.
For all the details on this trail, click here.
Cecret Lake
Either route will bring to beautiful Cecret Lake!
The majority of hikers make Cecret Lake their final destination. It is a beautiful spot and we love to search for tiger salamanders.
Sugarloaf Peak Trail
This trail up to Sugarloaf Peak begins on the west side of the lake. Head counter-clockwise around the lake until you get this view, with Devil’s Castle ahead and Sugarloaf to your right.
Head up the rocks. There is a trail, but it’s easy to lose it for a minute here. The rock here is quartz monzonite with interesting color patterns.
The wildflowers lining the trail here in July and August are gorgeous!
As you climb you can look down on Cecret Lake. There was an avalanche in winter, so this year (2022), the lake has more silt in it, so it isn’t as clear as it typically is.
The trail continues above the hill through a meadow. As soon as you see the Sugarloaf ski lift, take the trail to the left of it up the hill. The first photo is looking up the hill and the second is looking down.
As you get up the hill we saw a snow patch, even though it was late July.
There is a really tiny brook or spring to cross and then the trail heads up the hill.
As you get higher, the views get more and more impressive! The first is looking back and the second is Mount Timpanogos in Utah County as you crest the hill.
You can also look over to your right at Twin Peaks and Mount Baldy.
Up here is the county line and the boundary of the ski resorts. There is a little fence and you’ll walk to the right of it. When we got beyond it we looked back at Mount Superior and saw a helicopter delivering supplies near Twin Peaks.
There were wildflowers all along the path, especially lupines!
We also saw Indian paintbrush in yellow and red.
Columbine and more lupines!
We saw Forget-Me-Nots and Aspen Fleabane as well.
We also saw these beautiful butterflies.
Here are two more of majestic Mount Timpanogos.
As you get closer to the top the trail gets more and more rocky until you are walking on the rocks. It isn’t too slippery, but the rocks can slide, so be careful of your footing.
From the top you can look down on Cecret Lake, Alta Ski Resort and the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
To the right of this photo you can see the ominous looking Devil’s Castle.
You can also look over to Mount Timpanogos, Twin Peaks, Mount Baldy, and Mount Superior.
You can also see down in Utah County and see Pittsburg Lake.
There is also a mailbox with a log you can sign. What a great hike!
There are actually additional ways to hike, some that include Devil’s Castle or Mount Baldy in a loop, but this is the there and back mileage.
Stats from Albion Basin Camground: Distance – 2.7 miles round trip
Approximate hiking time – 2-4 hours
Elevation gain – 1,801feet
Difficulty – Moderate/Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – July – September
Permits needed – $10 to park in Albion Basin (free from Alta)
Pets allowed – No
From Alta Base:
Distance – 5.4 miles round trip Approximate hiking time – 3-5 hours
Elevation gain – 2,335 feet
Difficulty – Moderate/Difficult
Trail – well maintained trail of dirt and rocks
Bathrooms – At trailhead
Seasons to hike – July – September
Permits needed – Free from Alta
Pets allowed – No
