The summer road is still not open so I have to start down below. To make things more complicated this year, due to construction, I have to park 1/2 miles away from the trail head at the Wildcat Base.
Beautiful morning and an easy drive up Little Cottonwood Canyon; all the traffic is definitely in Big Cottonwood but I'm sure that'll change once the Summer Road opens.
I park at the Wildcat Base and start the 1/2 walk to the trail head on the Lower Albion Meadows Trail (100ft ele). I think I'm starting at 8500 ft today.
Lots of green lush vegetation but no real flowers yet. Still plenty of patches of snow especially in the shady sections and at the ends of parking lots.
Soon I reach the Upper Albion Meadows trail. It's 1.5 miles (one-way) and about 1100 ft in elevation and it gives access to Cecret Lake trail. (My hopeful destination.)
The sun has not made it over the nearby mountain so I'm in the shade (for now). I don't have to go far when I see a lone deer (female).
Well that's a good start.
Upwards I go with no views of the big peaks yet. But soon there's Devils Castle and Sugar Loaf Peaks.
Looking quite nice this morning!!
I continue along thru the green vegetation. I see only Forget-me-knots,
a few Waterleaf and Yellow Violets in bloom.
I reach Alfs. (I think it a restaurant on the slopes. The Supreme Lift starts there as well.) I think about taking the East Greeley service road up above Cecret Lake for just a minute but then decide to remain on the Meadows Trail.
Reaching some snow now on parts of the trail as it heads into a forested section hugging a strongly flowing stream.
But soon I see the out house and I know I've reach the Cecret Lake trail. Only 3/4 of a mile and 420 ft more until I'm at the lake.
Tons of Spring Beautys along this trail. I've never seen so many of them.
The trail is pretty clear of snow but there is water running down the trail, on the trail and 2 streams to cross (over the ankle). But I make it through and start up the final switchbacks to the lake.
Views over the Devils Castle are awesome.
I'm on the final switchback with the end in sight except there's a 20-30 foot section covered in snow. I stand on the edge of the snow but could force myself to cross as it's steep and it doesn't look like any one than the person in front me had gone across. It's definitely possible but I couldn't go. Disappointed but not the first time I've turned around on a trail and won't be the last.
Time to head down the switchbacks
and then back to the Meadows Trail. I do find some pretty buttercups I missed on the way up.
Going down.
And butterflies at the bottom - Painted Lady
and Checkered Whites!
Good day!
