Alta, Utah — If you’re looking for a ski area with great hiking trails, Alta certainly fits the bill. The Utah ski area is full of stunning hiking trails during the offseason, which feature waterfalls, streams, mountain views, and wildflowers. Now, hikers have more convenient access to some of the best hikes in the state.
On Wednesday, the Alta Ski Area opened its summer road. This road takes automobiles to the Catherine Pass and Cecret Lake trailheads and also features areas to camp overnight. Both trailheads have parking and bathrooms. The road is open 24 hours, with a toll booth open from 7 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and a self-pay method available between 8:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.
If you plan on going up the Summer Road, there are some important things to note. There’s a $12 amenity free to access the road, which includes access to the Catherine Pass and Cecret Trail trailheads. For free parking, you can go to the Albion and Grizzly lots. The 2.5-mile dirt road has a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit and should not be driven by low-clearance vehicles. In addition, please don’t park on the side of the road. Near the Catherine Pass trailhead are bathrooms and The Camp Store, which sells Alta merch and food.
The road typically stays open until November 1st or until enough snowfall makes it undriveable. Let’s hope it’s the latter.
Image/Video Credits: Alta Ski Area, Alta Environmental Center