The road surface is smoothed each spring. It's hard-packed, and in most places is firm as asphalt. As car traffic increases, the road can get a bit washboard in spots. The pedaling is perfect for strong beginners, "date rides," and family biking picnics. It's best to take frequent breaks because the combination of altitude and slope of the road will wear kids down fast.

The ride starts at 8800 feet elevation, above Alta's Albion Basin ski lift, where the paved Little Cottonwood Canyon road turns to the gravel Albion Basin road. The gate is usually closed until July, but hikers and bikers can go up anytime. (Expect snowdrifts in the pines until July.) This is a popular bike route, and may be a bit crowded on summer weekends.

This ride is not singletrack. Albion Basin is a nice ride with beautiful scenery. Enjoy it for that. If the Albion Basin road is just too tame for you, you can catch the connection to Germania Pass. There's also a short loop up the mountain that offers some singletrack on the downhill. (See the topo map or GPS file.)

Dogs aren't allowed in Little Cottonwood, except for residents with Alta city dog licenses. The family pooch stays home!

The road climbs through two switchbacks, then continues south to the top of the Albion lift at mile 2.25. Continue straight as the road heads slightly downhill. (Right takes you to the Germania Pass road, straight past the lodge building. Left goes to the lift and a cabin.) At the fork in the road at mile 2.75, the track loops through a campground. Go right. On the west end of the loop, you'll find the Cecret Lake trail. (No bikes!) Lock up your steed and hike 1/2 mile to the lake.

After riding around the loop, you can backtrack on the road, head left for Germania, or drop down the steeper route that forks right a tiny distance down the Germania road. I advise against sending children down this more direct path. It gets steep and loose.

There's also singletrack in Albion Basin. For skilled and conditioned riders, consider adding a jaunt on the Catherines Pass trail or Devil's Castle .

Albion Basin is a riot of wildflowers through the month of July. The week after the middle of July is probably the best time. During peak season, you'll encounter a lot of cars along the road. The speed limit is 15 mph and the flower hunters in their cars will be in "mosey mode" anyway. So as long as your kids can control their bikes, you'll be fine.

Bottom line!
This is an easy ride, although the altitude may tax the lungs of those who aren't in shape or acclimatized. In summer there are beautiful wildflowers. And the mountains are gorgeous anytime. It's a great family ride, especially when combined with the nature trail at Cecret Lake.

Getting there:
From I-15, take the 90th South exit and drive east towards the mountains. This will take you directly to Little Cottonwood. When you arrive at the stop sign in the canyon, with the giant illuminated Little Cottonwood conditions sign on your right, turn right uphill and drive 8 miles to Alta. Keep straight until the end of the road. Park on the right side of the road just before the information booth (the booth is between the lanes of the road just before it turns to gravel).