In the last couple of weeks I’ve been able to get out and take some amazing hikes. Secret Lake at Albion Basin (near Alta Ski Resort) and Mt. Olympus couldn’t be more different, just proving that there is something for everyone in the mountains of Salt Lake. Right now is the perfect time to get outdoors, away from the city, and soak in some of the beautiful nature that graces us daily with its presence. Every time I take a hike I can’t help but be reminded of how small I am and how there is a much larger/grander picture of life that sometimes I miss out on because I’m too focused on myself or what’s directly in front of me. When I make time to get out in the mountains it seems to bring everything else back into perspective. I hope you all will take advantage of this beautiful time of year to get up, out, away from yourself, and closer to nature!
Here is the scoop on these two beautiful hikes:Secret Lake at Albion Basin

This is the perfect time of year to head up to Albian Basin for views of flourishing wild flowers and the occasional wild animal sighting. Take a picnic to Secret Lake, or stay over night at the camp sight, or just go for a casual hike- you’ll be glad you came!
Where: up Little Cottonwood Canyon past Alta
Parking: park right past Alta and take a shuttle to the base of the hike
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Reward: serene lake and beautiful wild flowers
Best Time of Year to Visit: late July to mid August
Age: perfect family hike for all ages

Mt. Olympus
I’ve hiked Mt. Olympus multiple times and my last visit was by far the best. Maybe I am in better shape now or maybe it was just the perfect day for this hike, whichever it was I’m glad I returned! This is a ‘strenuous hike’- as described in the Utah Hiking Guide book, but the rewards at the end are great with fabulous views. There is not much shade and a constant upgrade in elevation. To summit you must scramble up some rocks for about 25 minutes- pretty fun if you like bouldering and there is a notebook at the top to record your visit. Good Luck!!
Time Round Trip: 5.5 hours
Perfect Time of Day to go: leave early morning
Parking: along Wasatch near 5400 South (don’t park in the lot- cars often get broken into here)
Bring: lots of water, gatorade, and energy filled foods
Reward: panoramic views of Salt Lake City valley, the Great Salt Lake and all the surrounding mountains
Worst time to go: when its raining (just don’t do it- take my word for it! The guidebook says during rain the point near the summit is ‘murderously difficult’)