Gasping is a rarity. A true gasp is very hard to come by, very hard to elicit, especially from my generation of know-it-alls. But, I will say, Alta elicited many a gasp from my disbelieving body when I made the journey to Cecret Lake.

My recent research of Utah hiking led me to this little hike, tucked away near Alta Ski Resort in Little Cottonwood Canyon. Apparently, it’s rather popular because we took a chance in driving to the parking lot to find a spot. My friend and I ended up waiting 10 minutes for a spot we claimed (pounced on) and saw many others turn around, unsuccessful in their bid for a precious parking spot.

Driving to the little hike was well worth the trip even if you did have to turn around, however. In rounding the many bends and curves in the dirt road, each bend marked with small difficulty signs for the Alta ski runs, I was delighted to discover that wildflowers covered each and every hill we passed.

On one special hill — one special hill on which I darted out into the middle, tempted to fling my arms out and sing, “The hills are alive!” — yellow wildflowers covered a breathtaking expanse. Yellow blanketed the beautiful green grassy field that dropped off and was completed with a beautiful view of the valley — this was my very first gasp.

I was reluctantly dragged away by the “No parking on the side of the road” signs that littered the drive to Cecret Lake. We had to continue on.

By the time we reached the actual hike, I was ecstatic.

This hike was proving to be much more welcome than I had anticipated. As we began, I again noted the ski signs along the sides of the hike. I would be back for you when covered with snow, dear Alta!

There were also small plaque signs along the side of the path that informed hikers about the various elements that contributed to the area. One mentioned that boulders strewn among the fairyland (what I continued to call the hike and its surroundings) had fallen from the mountain directly in front of the sign.

And, what’s more, there were small paths near the plaque signs. The first one we took followed a small stream of water from, I guessed, Cecret Lake.

These small paths made our trip a little longer, but very interesting. I would recommend venturing off the path every once in a while.

Finally, we reached a small set of switchbacks that took us to the top of a small hill. And, unexpectedly and surprisingly, there sat the beautiful lake, sitting just under Sugarloaf Peak. And I gasped yet again. It was beautiful, clear and small, just enough to fit under the mountain that towered over it.

Rocks jutted from its depths and small animals frolicked at its base. It was idyllic to say the least.

After a few exclamations of joy, we sat near the lake, just long enough to take in its tranquility. I had one last gasp before turning around and heading back to the car.

Though Cecret Lake isn’t a secret, it sure seemed like it to me.