Albion Basin

Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

By John Blumenkamp

John Blumenkamp is a freelance photographer specializing in landscape, nature and wildlife images.  His work has been displayed in numerous locations around the Salt Lake City area, where John calls home.  More information regarding his work can be found at his website: www.tetontrail.com

It's 6am on a clear July morning, and after a short drive from my home I am nearing the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon just east of Salt Lake City.  The sun, while having risen a few moments earlier, is not yet seen from the east due to the peaks of the Wasatch Mountains.  As I begin to ascend a familiar three mile stretch of dirt road at the top of the canyon, I can see in the low morning light that the wildflowers are in full display.  Choosing one of my favorite pullouts, I grab my backpack and tripod and head-out on foot.  It's calm, and I'm enjoying the solitude.  But within fifteen minutes or so on my hike, I realize I'm not alone... hearing the rustling in the nearby willows, a young bull moose raises his head to have a look, and I pause and glance his way… I can see it’s going to be another great day in the 'basin'.

Location & General Info

While the state of Utah provides numerous locations that will give any nature photographer ample opportunities to put their camera to work, a personal favorite of mine are the canyons just east of Salt Lake City, particularly Albion Basin, which is situated at the top of Little Cottonwood Canyon.  Perhaps better known for the world class skiing at the Alta and Snowbird ski areas, Albion Basin is as much a gem in the summer months for its endless available outdoor activities, including nature photography.

Albion Basin is the name given for the mountain cirque in Little Cottonwood Canyon that is situated just below the rocky peak formation named Devil’s Castle, and above the small mountain town of Alta, Utah.  With miles and miles of hiking and mountain bike trails, there is plenty to explore in the immediate area.  The basin is easily accessible from Salt Lake City by driving straight up Little Cottonwood, and is an easy half hour drive from most locations in the valley.  And while there are a number of lodges at both the Snowbird and Alta ski areas that provide varying degrees of accommodations, there is also a campground at the top of the canyon road with a few dozen sites for those who love to sleep in the mountain air.

Time of Year & Subjects

July and August are probably the ideal times to visit Albion Basin for photography, with the wildflowers usually peaking and displaying their magic during any given week within either month, which can all depend on an early or late spring, and when the winter snows melt away.  When they emerge, various types of mountain wildflowers can be seen in the area, including Columbine, Lupine, Indian Paintbrush, Primrose, Fireweed as well as many others.  Both a macro as well as a wide angle lens can be utilized to capture everything from the details of a flowers petal to composing a shot with a swath of foreground color in front of various mountain peaks and formations.

Wildlife is also abundant in the area.  Larger mammals such as mule deer and moose frequent the basin in the summer months, and it isn’t uncommon while on a hike to turn the corner on a trail and have a bull moose mildly glance your way.  Marmot, Uinta Ground Squirrel, as well as the occasional Porcupine may also be seen.  And a variety of birds populate the area as well, from Grouse scampering through the brush to Hawks soaring on updrafts near rocky ledges.

Equipment

With the options of shooting everything from landscapes to wildlife, any and all photo equipment can be utilized in the basin.  While shooting landscapes you may quickly switch from a wide angle lens to a 300mm or longer telephoto in order to concentrate on capturing the wildlife that has suddenly appeared.  The full range of filters can prove useful as well, including a polarizer and an assortment of neutral density filters to help even out exposures and intensify colors.

Final Thoughts

Personally, the basin is one of my all time favorite locations to not just photograph, but to experience.  While development around the ski areas is inevitable to some degree, the basin remains a great haven near the Salt Lake valley to explore and experience nature as is ought to be experienced.  Perhaps a quote that is the motto of the Friends of Alta organization (see link below) says it all… “Alta Is A State Of Mind”.  I couldn’t agree more.

Useful Links:

http://friendsofalta.org/
http://www.alta.com/
http://www.utah.com/
http://utah.travel/