Albion Basin- The #1 Wildflower Hike in Utah

Updated: July 26, 2024

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Where is Albion Basin?

Albion Basin is located up Little Cottonwood Canyon. You should have no problem finding it if you type Albion Basin into your GPS. You just need to drive to the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and if you want to do the full hike and not have to pay anything- there is a huge parking lot at Albion Grill, The trail is easy to find and is just behind the grill.

If you are not up for the full hike or are limited on time, you need to keep driving past the Albion Grill until you reach a tollbooth. You will have to pay a (*$8) Fee and if you have any questions, you can talk to the helpful park ranger.

There will be a small parking lot and you will come out on top of where the wildflowers are. You will head down a steep hill, but you will already be in wildflower heaven.

Albion Basin Hike

After you drive to the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon and park at the Albion Grill, you will find the trail just right behind the grill. The trail takes you through forest meadows with pine trees and the most beautiful wildflowers!

This area is also prone to have wildlife including moose so keep your eyes peeled. (I saw two moose the first time I went on this hike!) As you hike up the trail, you will see gorgeous mountain views (this particular mountain is known as Devil’s Castle).

This hike is pretty easy, but has a bit of a steep incline. It’s an incredible place for photos in the summer and it is heavily trafficked with photographers and families taking their family photos. I promise it is still worth it though!

If you want to see more than just the wildflowers, you can continue up the Cecret Lake Trail where the hike ends at an incredible alpine lake. This hike is about a mile further than the Albion Basin meadow trail, but it has a bit of steep incline and you can find yourself losing your breath, but it is totally worth it and it’s a great hike for all ages.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.

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Albion Basin Wildflowers

UPDATE: The Albion Basin wildflowers bloom at a bit different times each year, but they generally start to bloom the second week of July into August. This year (2024) the flowers are blooming as of July 26th, but they are not quite in their peak. Their peak will probably be sometime around August 3rd.

Also, the lower part of the hike which includes lupine bloom and peak a bit sooner than the higher up flowers.

There are so many different types of wildflowers here including sunflowers, fire-weed, Indian paintbrush, lupine and so many more. I saw so many colors including pinks, purples, blues, reds and yellows!

Please be respectful and don’t pick or step on the wildflowers.

Little Cottonwood Canyon Wildflower Hike

Where to Stay Near Albion Basin

If you are coming from out of town or want to make a fun staycation out of visiting Albion Basin, I highly recommend staying at this hotel-

Snowpine Lodge

Snowpine Lodge is an amazing 4 star hotel lodge located in Alta, not far from the Albion Basin hike. There is an amazing outdoor pool with great views, a spa, restaurant on site and a family friendly arcade!

Albion Basin is a place all locals to Utah should definitely hike in the Summer at least once in their lifetime! If you are visiting Utah, make sure to put this on your bucket list! This trail is heavily trafficked, but still very worthwhile.

Please let me know if you have any other questions about this hike. I go every year and it’s one of my favorite summer traditions.