Utah boasts a myriad of underrated destinations, including scenic roads with breathtaking canyons and outdoor thrills and mountain valley treasures like Springville, a hidden “art city” with unmatched scenery and charm. Tucked away in Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest, which hugs the mountains west of Salt Lake City, you’ll find some of the region’s most popular mountain resorts with the deepest, freshest snow. In the summertime, when Utah’s ski slopes transform into picturesque hiking trails, you won’t want to miss a trip to Albion Basin, an oasis at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.
Albion Basin is less than an hour’s drive from downtown Salt Lake City. The nearby Bells Canyon Preservation Trailhead offers gorgeous hikes through the foothills and into — you guessed it — Bells Canyon, with views of dramatic, tumbling cascades. Gain some elevation by driving along curvy Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, where you’ll also find numerous trailheads that lead into the surrounding mountains. The paved road eventually turns to a dirt track, leading to Albion Basin Campground and a parking area. From here, the area is your oyster.
The Albion Basin hills are alive with wildflowers
Between July and August, Albion Basin comes alive with remarkable displays of high-altitude wildflowers. Alpine willowherb, bluebells, buttercups, geraniums, columbine, and many more species cloak the mountain meadows. Every July, the four-day Wasatch Wildflower Festival takes over all of Cottonwood Canyon’s ski areas to celebrate the mountain range’s vibrant seasonal show. The festival offers guided walks and activities for all ages and abilities, highlighting not only the variety of species but the roles of land stewardship and conservation, so that the delicate ecology of the Albion Basin watershed can be enjoyed for generations to come. The best part is that it’s totally free, just make sure to register ahead.
The nearby Snowbird Ski Resort offers tram rides to see the vibrant wildflower displays — once you arrive, there’s no better way to take in the scenery than with a hike. With a staggering size of over 9,500 feet, the basin offers some of the most epic mountain views on both easy and moderately challenging trails. If you’re still getting acclimated or have never experienced high-altitude recreation before, remember to take it slow and rest often — but, that’s what enjoying this gorgeous natural bounty is all about anyway, right?
Hike, bike, and camp in Albion Basin
