Cecret Lake Trail Alta is a premier hiking destination in Alta, Utah, covering 1.8 miles with 480ft of elevation gain. Stats: 1.8 miles, 480ft gain, Easy. Type: Out-and-Back. Surface: Dirt/Rock. Time: 1-2 hours. Fee: Free (Alta Ski Area parking lot). Dogs: Yes. Permit: No. Wildlife: moose, marmots, pikas, Clark's nutcrackers, mountain goats. Best seasons: July through early September for peak wildflower bloom around the lake. The Cecret Lake trail in Little Cottonwood Canyon is one of Utah's finest short alpine hikes — a turquoise cirque lake ringed by 11,000-foot peaks and carpeted with wildflowers in July. Pack plenty of water — desert and high-altitude trails demand more hydration than you expect. Layers are essential above 10,000 feet. Leave No Trace: stay on designated trails, pack out all waste, and respect wildlife and other visitors.