ALTA — Officials from the Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest and town of Alta have announced that Albion Basin Road will open for the summer season on Thursday, July 4.
The heavily visited alpine area at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon is a popular spot for wildflower viewing, hiking and photography.
The town of Alta will sponsor a limited free shuttle service to help reduce automobile traffic into Albion Basin. The shuttle will transport visitors from the end of the paved Little Cottonwood Canyon Road, in the town of Alta, 2.5 miles to the upper end of Albion Basin road. Shuttle service begins July 4 and will operate on weekends and holidays — July 24 and Labor Day.
Two 14-passenger vans will operate between 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. The shuttle will have three pick-up and drop-off points: the lower Albion Base parking lot, Sunnyside parking area/Catherine’s Pass Trailhead and Cecret Lake Trailhead at Albion Basin Campground. The last van will depart from the Cecret Lake Trailhead at the upper end of the road at 5 p.m.
Due to limited parking in Albion Basin and public safety concerns along the road, traffic restrictions sometimes occur especially during weekends and holiday periods. Forest visitors are encouraged to consider visiting during non-peak periods and plan alternate hiking routes during peak periods. Roadside parking on the Albion Basin road is prohibited. Visitors are also encouraged to hike into Albion Basin from the base area via Albion Meadows Trail as an alternative to driving.
Site reservations for Albion Basin Campground are available beginning July 18. Reservations may be made online at www.recreation.gov, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The campground may open earlier depending upon snowmelt; with sites available on a first-come, first-served basis.