Hiking Catherine Pass - Little Cottonwood

Overview

Sat

41° | 22°

Sun

30° | 27°

Mon

31° | 23°

Tue

36° | 22°

Wed

40° | 26°

( Rated 4.0 / 1 Ratings )

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RATING: Easy/Moderate Hike

LENGTH: 2-3 Hours (3.4 miles)

SEASON: Summer, Fall

GEAR: Standard Hiking Gear

WATER: Bring All You Need

Sat

41° | 22°

Sun

30° | 27°

Mon

31° | 23°

Tue

36° | 22°

Wed

40° | 26°

Sugarloaf Mountain (just left of center) and Mount Baldy (just right of center) from near the start of the hike.

Catherine Pass, allowing easy passage between Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons, is a stunning wildflower hike. In many ways, I like this hike better than Secret Lake. Because the hike is on the north side of the canyon, it has views of the south ridge of Little Cottonwood, and I would argue more dramatic scenery than Secret Lake. In addition, wildflowers, grassy meadows, and views into Big Cottonwood Canyon from the pass make this an excellent outing.

The distance and elevation gain make this a good shorter hike. Those wanting a longer outing can descend to Lake Catherine in the Big Cottonwood Canyon or traverse the ridgeline east to the summit of Sunrise Peak. From the pass, there are many options along the ridgelines.

Note: This pass can also be reached from Big Cottonwood Canyon (see the Lake Catherine - Big Cottonwood Canyon hike for more information). This route is shorter, but more difficult parking.

The meadow en route to the Catherines Pass.

Getting There

Little Cottonwood Canyon is on the east side of the Salt Lake City Valley. Get there by following I-215 to the east, taking exit 6 off the interstate and heading east toward the mountains.

Follow 6200 South which becomes Wasatch Blvd for 1.8 miles to the stop light and signs for Big Cottonwood Canyon. Continue south (straight) through the light an additional 2.3 miles to a junction and light. Stay left here, reaching the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon in an additional 1.6 miles.

From the mouth of Little Cottonwood, travel up the canyon 11.2 miles to the signed Secret Lake Trailhead parking, just before the Albion Basin Campground.

Note: The trailhead described here starts in Albion Basin. The area is incredibly popular, and the parking can fill up by 7AM on the weekends. Even during the week, I have seen it full by 8AM. You can alternatively start this hike from the base of Alta and use the Albion Meadows trail to reach the trailhead described here. This drops the parking issue but adds about 3.5 miles roundtrip to the hike. There is an $8 fee (2020) to drive the road to Albion Basin above the base of Alta.

Note: The Albion Basin road usually does not open until mid-to-late June due to snow. If in doubt, check with the Town of Alta

Excellent sunrise on the peaks above Alta.

Route Description

From the Catherine Pass Trailhead, cross the Albion Basin Road and start up the trail as it passes near the ski lifts. The trail, and old route used by miners, is easy to follow. It climbs with views of Devils Castle and Sugarloaf Mountain dominating to the south. At a junction, stay left (right goes down to the Albion Basin Campground).

The trial climbs a bit more and enters a stunning meadow. The meadow, at the base of Mt Tuscarora, if often a carpet of wildflowers in mid-to-late summer. The trail continues, climbing steeply and making switchbacks up to the pass.

From the pass, Lake Catherine is directly below on the Big Cottonwood side, with Sunset Peak east along the ridge (see the Sunset Peak - Big Cottonwood Canyon hike for more details). Either are good side trips! Or, take in the views and simply return the same way.