Alta and Little Cottonwood Canyon will be busy this weekend so you will want to plan ahead to make the most of your trip to the mountains. On Saturday morning there will be a 6:30 start for the 50K Speedgoat Race at Snowbird. The three-day Wildflower Festival will be at Alta on Saturday, with guided hikes beginning at 9 am; come early as they fill up fast. An early start is recommended to ensure parking and a spot with a guide.
If you want to view wildflowers on your own, there will shuttle service available from the Albion Day Lodge. There are limited refreshments available at the Day Lodge. Alta Lodge is open for lunch on Saturdays from 11 am-2 pm. If you prefer to attend the Wildflower Walks on Sunday at Snowbird, consider stopping at the Lodge afterwards for a relaxing Sunday Brunch.
Here’s the schedule for the Wildflower Festival in Little Cottonwood Canyon this weekend:
Saturday, July 27th
Alta: Meet at Albion Day Lodge/Parking Lot, Albion Base, Alta Entry #2
Beginner Walks:
Walk takes place along gentle terrain along base area, through willows, meadows and along streamside to allow for excellent variety of wetland wildflowers and other species. About 1 hour
9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm
Hikes depart as groups fill.
Beginner/Intermediate Wildflower Walks:
A walk up the Albion Meadows Trail at a gentle grade. This walk allows for wonderful variety of flowers blooming in habitats including meadows, shaded spruce-fir stands, nears streams, and sunny, rocky slopes. About 1 1/2 hours.
9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm
Hikes depart as groups fill.
Advanced Wildflower Walk:
Walk takes place up the Twin Lakes Pass trail. Trail is very steep and rocky in sections.North-facing slopes allow for wildflower viewing through a variety of habitats. About 1 ½ hours.
9:00am, 10:00am, 11:00am, 12:00pm
Hikes depart as groups fill.
Kids Wildflower Walks:
Especially designed with kids in mind and with fun and interactive wildflower activities along the way!
A gentle walk route along the base area.
Discover what wildflowers need to grow! We’ll look for wildflowers and wildlife of Albion Basin. Less than an hour in duration.
9:30am and 10:30am
Hikes depart as groups fill. Kids should be accompanied by an adult.
Live Music by Lerraine and the Soul Vibrations
8:30am-12:30pm
Kids Art & Entertainment We will have ongoing art activities for kids of all ages.
9am-12pm
Sunday July 29th
Snowbird: Meet at Plaza Deck, Snowbird entry 2
8:30 – 9:15AM Sign up for Wildflower Walks
$5 donation to the Cottonwood Canyons Foundation for Tram hikes
9:30AM Tram departs for Wildflower Hikes, beginner and advanced
– Advanced Hike: rides up tram with a hike down the mountain. Hike is all down hill, but several miles in length, with some steep sections and loose footing. 3-4 hours, 9:30 start time only.
– Easy Walk: rides up tram with gentle walk at top of tram with ride back down. 1 ½ to 2 hours. 9:30 and 10:30 start time.
10:00 AM Tram leaves for Geology Hike- moderate, 2-3 hours, 10:00 start time only.
10:30 Second Departure for Easy Walk with Tram (ride up tram, explore top,ride back down). 1 ½ to 2 hours.
*Please note, hikes involving the Tram depart early and only at listed times, in order to accommodate the Tram and long duration of the hikes.
9:30 – 11:30 AM Lower Mountain Wildflower Walks
Along gentle terrain.
Hikes depart for lower mountain walk every 20 minutes as groups fill.
Duration: 1 hr to 1 ½ hours. Does not involve tram.
10:00 AM Kids Walks
Especially designed with kids in mind and with fun wildflower activities along the way!
Gentle walk along lower mountain trail.
Less than an hour in duration. Does not involve tram. Kids should be accompanied by an adult.
Special thanks to partners for this event:
Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Alta Community Enrichment, Alta Ski Area, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, Brighton Resort, Solitude Mountain Resort, US Forest Service and Salt Lake City Watershed!
