Summer FAQs

2025 summer projects include:

• The realignment of the Supreme chairlift

• Excavation work is underway for the Albion Day Lodge expansion

• Construction of a new storage facility on the north side of the Albion parking lot 

• Upgrading utility lines for the Town of Alta and replacing old snowmaking lines along the Transfer Tow

• Hand-cutting and widening of the High Traverse

• Replacement of the Alta Lodge tow rope cables

• Installation of 4 Wyssen Towers—Remote Avalanche Control devices (RACS)—in the Devil’s Castle area to aid avalanche mitigation

  2025 Summer Projects page for current information >

The beloved Cecret Lake Trail and the trails in Albion Basin will be impacted by construction noise, trail closures and trail detours due to the realignment of the Supreme chairlift this summer.

Quieter trails, which will be less impacted by construction noise in Albion Basin, include those to the north of Highway 210, accessible from the Town of Alta. Twin Lakes Pass is an intermediate hike accessible via Grizzly Gulch and the expert-rated Collins Gulch trail is another alternative.

To avoid the transfer tow area where the replacement of utility and snowmaking lines is taking place, consider the Lower Albion Meadows trail which begins in the Wildcat base area and ends to the southwest of the Sunnyside chairlift loading station.

Summer Map & trail information >

No, Alta Ski Area does not provide chairlift access in the summer months. Visitors to Alta are welcome to enjoy the 13+ miles of hiking trails within the ski area and the seasonally accessible Summer Road.

For Summer 2025, some hiking trails will be impacted due to several ski area construction projects. The area surrounding the Supreme lift will be closed to the public as crews work to complete the lift realignment in time for the 2025-26 winter ski season. Please respect any temporary trail closures and follow signage for trail detours. 

For the current status of trails and to learn about any temporary trail closures, please see the Summer Trail Information page.

You’ll find free hiking trails from the Wildcat Base area and to the north of the highway in the Town of Alta. The Catherine’s Pass and Cecret Lake trailheads can be accessed via the Summer Road which requires a $12 amenity fee per vehicle. Alternatively, you can park in the Albion or Grizzly parking lots to reach those trailheads on foot. 

Summer Hiking at Alta >

Yes, Alta Summer Hosts will be available on weekends and holidays at the Albion Base (Upper Albion Meadows trailhead) from 8am–6pm

Wildflower photography in Albion Basin is one of the most popular activities during Alta’s summer months. While we all love the beauty of the wildflowers of Alta, it’s important that we are respectful of nature and one another. Leave the flowers for the bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, pollinators and future Alta visitors. A few important reminders:

• Don’t pick or trample the wildflowers, let them stay wild

• Stay on the trails—even when taking photos

• Pullouts along the Albion Meadows trail provide excellent vantage points for photos among the wildflowers while staying in designated hiking areas and protecting the sensitive plant life

• Remain behind and respect all rope lines to preserve our delicate sub-alpine habitat
  
  

The Salt Lake Ranger District requires that film/photography permits are obtained for large commercial photography and film projects. Please contact the Salt Lake Ranger District to determine if a permit is required for your activity. Applications are accepted year-round at all Ranger District Offices.

More information and commercial photography permits >

• The Alta Store serves grab-and-go snacks at the Cecret Lake Trailhead. The store will be open daily for the summer season beginning July 1, 2025 from 11am–5:30pm through August 3. In late summer, the store will operate on Saturdays and Sundays from August 9 through September 1.

• The Gulch Pub at Snowpine Lodge is open daily, serving beverages and small bites alongside live music on select evenings.

• For fine dining, consider Swens Restaurant for dinner on Friday and Saturday from 5–10pm. Svens serves breakfast Mon–Thursday from 8-11am. Brunch is offered on Saturday and Sunday from 8am–2pm.

• Sunday Brunch at the Alta Lodge is offered from 9:30am–2pm. Reservations are recommended.

Check out our Summer Food and Drink page for more information >

Yes, there are a handful of trails appropriate for mountain biking at Alta, although the trail systems at Alta are steep and most trails are better suited for hiking than biking. Biking is prohibited on the Cecret Lake Trail. Please note that there will be some temporary trail closures and detours due to Summer 2025 construction. Please avoid the Supreme chairlift area at all times as realignment work is currently underway. 

Mountain biking at Alta Ski Area >

Free parking is available in the Town of Alta and within the Wildcat and Albion parking lots. Due to ongoing summer construction projects, portions of the Wildcat and Albion lots will be closed. Please respect signage and closures so construction crews can complete work in surrounding areas.

Visit the 2025 Summer Projects page for current information >

In recent years, the Albion Basin has been over-loved. Vehicle access into the basin is limited to balance visitor use with available amenities with natural resource protection as the ultimate goal.

The $12 amenity fee per vehicle helps to fund maintenance of the Summer Road, parking lots, trash removal, hiking trails and maintenance to the on-mountain bathroom facilities. Previously, Alta was not responsible for maintaining the Summer Road and this fee ensures the recreation experience remains intact as Alta works to balance visitation with its stewardship responsibilities.

No, dogs are not permitted in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Alta serves as a vital watershed, providing drinking water to the residents of Salt Lake City. Salt Lake County prohibits swimming or wading in creeks, ponds or lakes. Dogs, horses and other domestic animals are prohibited from protected watershed areas.

The campground will open on July 11, 2025. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. Please note that due to the proximity of the Albion Basin Campground to the Supreme chairlift, ambient construction noise will surround the campground this summer while crews are working. There may be a higher-than-normal volume of large vehicles and trucks moving around the area to support the Supreme lift realignment project. Please use extreme caution on the Summer Road and stay aware of your surroundings.

Yes, winter season passes, information and public restrooms will be available at Skier Services in the Wildcat base area.

- Wildcat Business Office Hours: M–TH | 8am–4:30pm