Cecret Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cecret Lake |
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 Cecret Lake
Location in Utah
Cecret Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Alta, Salt Lake County, Utah |
| Coordinates | 40°34′12″N 111°37′19″W / 40.570°N 111.622°W |
| Type | Reservoir |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface elevation | 9,875 feet (3,010 m) |
| Islands | None |
| Settlements | Alta |
Cecret Lake (pronounced like Secret) is a small, beautiful alpine lake located high in the mountains of Utah. You can find it in an area called Albion Basin, which is part of the town of Alta. This special lake is also inside the huge Wasatch National Forest.
One very important thing about Cecret Lake is that it's a protected watershed. This means the water from the lake helps supply clean drinking water for many people in Salt Lake City. It's a bit of a mystery why the name is spelled with a "C" instead of an "S". People think a miner working nearby might have named it that way. The official name, used by the United States Geological Survey, is "Cecret Lake."
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Discovering Cecret Lake
Cecret Lake is a true mountain gem, sitting high up in the Wasatch Mountains. It's a popular spot for hikers, especially in the summer. The lake's clear water and stunning mountain views make it a great place to explore nature.
How to Visit Cecret Lake
Getting to Cecret Lake is an adventure! In the summer, you can park your car on the main road in Little Cottonwood Canyon. From there, you'll hike up a dirt trail to reach the lake. The hike is a fun way to experience the beauty of the mountains.
The Rocks Around the Lake
The area around Cecret Lake is surrounded by a type of rock called quartz monzonite. This rock often looks a lot like granite. These strong, ancient rocks add to the rugged beauty of the landscape around the lake.
Cecret Lake and Ski Resorts
Cecret Lake is nestled among some famous ski resorts. It's surrounded by the Alta and Snowbird ski resorts. In winter, these areas are covered in snow, but in summer, they become green mountain playgrounds.
Why Cecret Lake is Important
Cecret Lake is super important because it's a major source of drinking water for the greater Salt Lake area. Every year, hundreds of inches of snow fall in this region. This snow melts slowly, often lasting until July, and fills the lake. This clean, fresh water then travels down to provide drinking water for thousands of people. Protecting this area helps keep our water supply safe and clean.
