This trail is a hidden gem. And pretty easy and quick!👇
I wanted to try a new hike this morning, but I really wanted to see all the wildflowers up at Alta in Little Cottonwood Canyon! Here’s the path I took:
1. Parked for free in Wildcat.
2. Walked Lower Albion Basin — .55 miles one way! There aren’t too many flowers down in this part anymore, but still really peaceful and pretty.
3. It connects to Snake Pit, so that’s what I took! I had heard mixed reviews but it was super fast and to be honest mostly easy except for the very end! Tons of wildflowers, and I saw zero humans!! It goes along the water a lot of the way, and you can tell this side is a little more wild.
4. At the top it connects to Homerun and also Upper Albion Basin! So I crossed over and did some of that. The Upper side has the yellow, but the Snake Pit side has ALLLLLL the blue, lupine, fireweed, and paintbrush! And some really cute benches.
I also wasn’t sure what time to get up there. I’d say the best time to be up there this morning for lighting was between 6:30 and 7:30! The sun finally peeked over the mountain around 8 on the dot.
The whole loop was only 3 miles. I stopped a LOT and it only took me 80 mins!
No dogs, no getting in the water — LCC is a culinary watershed.
Enjoy!!
If you’re looking for a serene wildflower hike near Salt Lake City, the Alta area in Little Cottonwood Canyon offers a surprisingly quiet and colorful escape. I found this trail to be a refreshing alternative to the busier summer hikes, especially when starting early around 6:30 AM to catch that beautiful soft lighting before the sun fully rises. Parking for free at Wildcat made getting started easy, which is a bonus since many nearby trailheads require paid parking. This route’s highlight is definitely the Snake Pit section, where wildflowers like blue lupine and bright paintbrush flourish alongside the creek. It's less traveled, so you really feel immersed in nature, which was an unexpected delight. The trail’s gentle difficulty makes it accessible even if you’re looking for a quicker outing, while still satisfying your craving for vibrant alpine scenery. Remember, Little Cottonwood Canyon is a protected culinary watershed, so it’s crucial to keep dogs off the trail and avoid entering the water to preserve this pristine environment. Along the way, you’ll find quaint benches the perfect spots to pause, soak in the views, and even enjoy a quiet snack. For those interested in botanical photography or simply taking in Utah’s floral diversity, visiting in mid to late July is a fantastic time as wildflowers peak. Even with the peaceful vibe, a bit of preparation with water and sun protection is wise as the area, though shaded in parts, still gets direct sunlight after 8 AM. Overall, this trail loop is about 3 miles and can be comfortably completed in under 90 minutes if you keep moving, but I recommend taking your time to stop and appreciate the incredible flora and calming waterside paths. It’s a perfect hidden gem for anyone wanting to connect with nature without the crowds.
