A medium-length family friendly hike with beautiful lake view.

This well trafficked hike is a must. While the trail shown here is a great loop, it can be adjusted for any level of hiking - it can be shortened to an out and back to just see the beautiful Lake Mary, or it can be lengthened to take in Mary, Martha, Catherine, Dog, and Twin Lakes. Many families and groups of all types on the Lake Mary trail section, but the link between Mary and Twin is less crowded. It's recommended to avoid weekends and holidays, if possible, as this is a popular hike. Spring hiking can be difficult as the snow still sometimes covers the trail even as late as June.

**Local's recommendation:** This is a good summer or fall hike - the temperatures at this elevation in Big Cottonwood Canyon is 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake valley.

**Details**

**Difficulty:** Easy

**Highest point:** 9675 ft

**Lowest point:** 8766 ft

**Best time of year:** May - October

**Safety information:** Bring comfortable hiking shoes, plenty of water, and extra snacks. There are steep parts, so a walking pole is helpful. Swimming and dogs are not permitted anywhere in Big Cottonwood Canyon because it is a watershed area.

**Roadbook**

From the parking lot at Brighton Resort, follow the signs for the Lake Mary trail. The trail is well signed all the way up, and if you choose to take the loop to Twin Lakes Reservoir, it is also well marked.

- Start point - 8302 S Brighton Loop Rd, Brighton, UT 84121 - 0 mi
- Highest point, 9675 ft - 1.7 mi
- Lowest point, 8766 ft - 4.6 mi
- Lake Mary - Destination - 4.7 mi

**How to Get There**

**Public transport:** Bus routes do not travel up to this trailhead in summer - best access is by car.

**Parking:** Parking at Brighton Resort near the trailhead is free outside of the ski season.

Lake Mary to Twin Lakes Reservoir Loop Trail

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This easy out-and-back hike is family friendly and great for all skill levels. Just one mile in leads to a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by stunning mountain beauty.

Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon at Alta Ski Area, Cecret Lake Trail is a popular hike that is surrounded by nature and great views.

This hike is popular, so it's best to arrive early, especially on the weekends. There is a $10 fee to park at the trailhead, which is located right by Albion Basin Campground. You can park right at the trailhead, or park for free before the gate and extend your hike a few miles. The very last portion of the trail is steeper than the rest, bringing you up to the lake. Once there, enjoy the scenery! You can walk around the lake for a longer hike or take your time before you head back down. Though this is an excellent summer or fall hike, the best views are during the summertime. During warmer months, the trail is filled with stunning wildflowers and lots of wildlife.

**Author’s recommendation**  
July and August are the best times to see the wildflowers along the trail. Dogs and swimming in the lake are not allowed.

Cecret Lake

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Views, fast, beautiful **Cons:**Busy **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** Yes | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 7,645 ft (2,330 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,157 ft (353 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

The Dog Lake mountain bike ride usually begins at the Great Western Trail trailhead in Mill Creek Canyon. The lake itself is picturesque and surrounded by a massive aspen grove. Dogs are allowed on the trail and up to the lake, but they must be leashed on even numbered dates. Likewise, bikes are only allowed on the upper Mill Creek Canyon trails on even days. The biggest benefit of Dog Lake is the epic scenery. You’ll get stunning mountain views and broad vistas. You’ll ride through thickly wooded forests filled with aspens, cottonwood, and towering pines.

Dog Lake Mountain Bike Ride: Great Western Trail to Big Water Trail

All photos by Outdoor Project Contributor, Brant Hansen

| **Pros:** Huge vistas. Shady. Cool in summer. Fast. **Cons:** Busy. **Congestion:** Moderate **Preferable Season(s):** Summer, Fall **Day-Use/Parking Pass Required:** General Day Use Fee ($3.00) **Dogs allowed?:** No | **Total Distance:** 6.00 mi (9.66 km) **Terrain Difficulty:** GREEN **Trailhead Elev.:** 8,239 ft (2,511 m) **Net Elev. Gain:** 1,271 ft (387 m) **Trail Uses:** Hiking, Biking **Trail type:** There-and-back |
| --- | --- |

This trail gives you a pleasant and incredibly scenic climb through 3.5 miles of aspen groves, sprawling meadows, and thick pine forests. All this eventually leads you to Desolation Lake itself, a picturesque high-altitude lake. It’s the perfect, tranquil resting spot. From there, it’s a short climb up to the Wasatch Crest Trail that joins in just below the Spine. If you choose to ride to Desolation Lake as an out-and-back, you’re in for a fast and flowy descent. The trail twists and dives, throwing you through the same forests you just climbed through.

Desolation Lake Mountain Bike Ride

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