Goodbye, Summer. Hello, Fall.
Hiking the Albion Basin
Plan on hiking the Albion Basin? Please note that due to construction and infrastructure improvement projects the Albion parking lot will be closed this summer as well as Sunnyside lift-served hiking. However, Alta's 15 miles of hiking trails can be accessed from the Wildcat base area. Take a look at our Mountain Cams page to view current conditions.
Summer FAQs
- What are the important summer dates? Summer operations have concluded at Alta Ski Area. The Summer Road will remain open until the snow starts falling.
- Where can I park for free? The Wildcat base area.
- Where can I buy food/snacks? The Gulch at Snowpine Lodge is open daily from 11am-2pm for lunch and 3–9pm for dinner. Swen's restaurant at Snowpine Lodge is serving brunch from 8am-2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Don't miss Saturday lunch and Sunday brunch at Alta Lodge.
- Where is the best place to access hiking trails? Parking and hiking trail access to the Albion Basin via the Wildcat base area is always free. You can also pay an $8 amenity fee to drive into the Albion Basin via the Summer Road.
- Why is the Albion parking lot, Sunnyside lift, Albion Grill and Alta Java closed this summer? Due to construction projects and infrastructure upgrades in the Albion lot and Sunnyside lift maintenance.
- Can I bring my dog? No. Little Cottonwood Canyon is a Salt Lake County protected watershed area that supplies drinking water to Salt Lake residents.
- Why is vehicle access limited into the Albion Basin? In recent years the basin has been over-loved. Vehicle access into Albion Basin is being limited to balance visitor use with available amenities and natural resource protection as the ultimate goal.
- Why is there an $8 amenity fee per vehicle to drive into the Albion Basin? This money helps fund maintenance of the summer road, parking lots, trash removal, hiking trails and maintenance to bathroom facilities on-mountain. In past summers, Alta was not responsible for maintaining the summer road.
- How can I reserve a campsite at the Albion Basin Campground? The Albion Basin Campground is now closed for the season.
- Will there be mountain hosts available to provide information on hiking trails and the mountain? Yes, The Summer Road fee booth is the best place to gather information for your day in the mountains.
- Can I purchase a winter season pass this summer at Alta? Yes, winter season passes, information and public restrooms will be available at Skier Services at the Wildcat base area.
- Business Office Hours: Monday--Thursday, 7:30am--4:30pm.
Photography and Permits
- A film/photography permit is needed for all individuals being compensated for their work. Permits may take up to a week to process and can be obtained through the Salt Lake Ranger District at (801) 733-2686 or email pollyanna.bergseng@usda.gov. All permit money goes directly back to your Wasatch National Forest.
- There is no roadside parking allowed on the Albion Basin Summer Road. All vehicles must park in designated parking lots only. Illegal parking may be fined.
- All vehicles that drive up the summer road are required to pay an amenity fee. The fee booth at the entry to the summer road is staffed from 7am–8:30pm and vehicles are limited based upon available parking. Self-pay at the fee booth is required between 8pm–7am, and available parking is not guaranteed during these hours.
- All permits issued by the Forest Service require the permittee to stay on designated roads and trails. Trampled flowers are not designated trails.
Alta’s Stewardship Programs
The Alta Environmental Center summer stewardship season has drawn to a close. Thanks again to all of the partner organizations, employees, and the hundreds of incredible volunteers that made this summer one of the best in recent memory.
Alta Events Calendar
The fall months are quiet at Alta, but there will be plenty of great events this ski season. The Fresh Tracks Newsletter and Events Calendar are the best places to stay informed.
Alta Summer/Fall 2019 Trail Map