Albion Basin
Alta Ski Area, Utah
TRAVEL FEE: $90 – This also pays for my entry. The entry fee is $12 per vehicle.
Located up Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Please note: During wildflower season, from mid to late July through the beginning of August, I only photograph at this location at sunrise due to the large evening crowds. Parking can be very difficult later in the day, and at times, there may not be any available parking. If Utah received a lot of snowfall during the year, the wildflowers are generally best during the last one to two weeks of July. During drought years with lighter snowfall, they are typically best around the second week of July.
Features: mountain backdrops, pine trees, outdoorsy, rocks, meadows, bridge, ponds, summer wildflowers, trails, creeks
If interested in hiking to Cecret Lake for photos please add $110 + the $90 travel fee for the additional hiking time. Morning hiking is advised beacuse the crowds are less and the tempratures are cooler. The hike is considered moderate. Please ensure you are in good physical condition if you elect to hike to Cecret Lake.
There is a $12 toll booth fee per vehicle entering. If early morning drive straight through and pay at the toll booth on your way back home. No pets are allowed.
Availability: July through early October. This area becomes part of the ski area during the winter months. The main road to this location typically opens around the first week of July each year, though in lower-snowfall years, I have seen it open as early as mid-June. Alta Ski Resort will always announce on their website when the road to Albion Basin is open.
Address: Alta Ski Resort
Summer wildflowers cover Albion Basin, with a colorful tapestry that includes lupine, Indian paintbrush, American bistort, sunflowers, and fireweed. TDon't forget to pack insect repellent! The area can have bugs and mosquitoes.
Again, during wildflower season, it’s best to schedule portrait sessions in the morning to avoid the crowds. I don’t shoot here in the evenings that time of year, as it tends to be far too busy.
Video links on YouTube showcasing this location: One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Seven
