OverviewSugarloaf Peak is an easily reached 11,000 ft. summit which overlooks Albion Basin, Secret Lake, and much of Utah's Alta ski resort.
A short and easy approach hike combined with relatively little elevation gain make this summit an ideal destination for novice hikers. More advanced hikers may choose to create a multi-summit ridge traverse by combining this peak along with Devil's Castle to the east and/or Mount Baldy to the west, or the challenging Bullion Divide ridge traverse.
Sugarloaf Peak is located in the Wasatch National Forest.
The spelling of Secret Lake varies, with some maps and publications using the alternate "Cecret Lake".
Trails Map showing the various trails in the Snowbird and Alta Ski Resort areas.
USGS Quads:
Brighton, Utah (1:24k)
Dromedary Peak, Utah (1:24k)
Getting ThereThe shortest and easiest approach for a hike up Sugarloaf Peak is by way of the Albion Basin Secret Lake trailhead.
Take the 6200 South exit (exit #6) off I-215 and follow highway 190 south-east approximately 2 miles to the intersection with Big Cottonwood Canyon road. Continue straight through the stoplight and follow the road another 4 miles to the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon, where an electronic billboard on the right provides current road and/or weather conditions.
Continue east up Little Cottonwood Canyon approximately 9 miles past the billboard to the eastern end of the Alta ski area. The pavement ends at a well maintained dirt road, which can be followed approximately 3 miles to the Albion Basin Secret Lake trailhead.
Refer to the Routes section for details on ascending the peak.
Red TapeThere are no fees for entering Albion Basin or parking at the Secret Lake trailhead.
The dirt road from the Alta ski area to the trailhead passes through areas of privately owned cabins and property. Be respectful of the local property owners, and observe speed limits and parking restrictions - park only in designated areas.
The peak and surrounding area is located in a watershed area; domestic animals are not permitted.
When To ClimbAnytime in spring after closure of the ski resorts, through late fall.
Significant snow remains in the area well after closure of the ski resorts. Early season hikes may require the use of snowshoes.
CampingCamping is permitted in the Albion Basin campground, located at the Secret Lake trailhead. The campground contains 26 designated sites, available on a first-come first-serve basis. Campsites can also be reserved in advance by phone at 1-877-444-6777.
Mountain Conditions Albion Basin Webcam, which is pointed at Devil's Castle; Sugarloaf is just out of the picture to the right.
National Weather Service forecast for the area.
Utah Avalanche Center website.
Images
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Wasatch Range (Central)
