ALBION BASIN WILDFLOWER FAMILY PICTURES | Salt Lake City Family Photographer

Albion Basin Wildflower Family Pictures | Salt Lake City Family Photographer

Capturing natural, bright, true-to-color family portraits across Salt Lake City and Utah County



Albion Basin is one of the most beautiful locations in Utah for summer family photos, especially when the Albion Basin wildflowers are in bloom. With stunning mountain views from every angle, it’s easy to see why this area is so popular. As a Salt Lake City family photographer, I’ve photographed several sessions here — and it never disappoints!

Abraham contacted me to take their family photos again, but this time they wanted the beautiful wildflowers at Albion Basin. The wildflowers make Albion Basin one of the most popular places for family photos in Utah. They enjoy hiking and spending time outdoors, so this location was the perfect fit for their connection to nature and the mountains.

Travel Time & Preparation

Because Albion Basin does require extra travel time and preparation, I always recommend planning ahead. Here are a few things I recommend before your session:

• Arrive at the entrance booth about an hour before your session, as wait times can be long during wildflower season.
• If you have little kids, getting them out of the car and letting them walk along the side of the road near your vehicle (while staying aware of traffic) can help make the wait feel easier.
• There is a fee per vehicle (about $12).
• A 4-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the dirt road between the booth and the parking areas. Plan for a slower drive and a little extra time getting to your final parking location.
• There are a lot of mosquitoes, so I recommend bringing bug spray.
• Rangers have designated mats among the wildflowers. Please stay on the mats and avoid stepping past the rope.
• Do not pick the flowers — rangers may issue fines.
• The trail is dusty, so expect dirty shoes and legs (especially for kids).
• Because the location is large, I always recommend bringing comfortable shoes to walk between photo locations.

Parking at Albion Basin

Albion Basin has multiple parking areas, and parking can fill quickly during wildflower season. The main parking area (Lot A) is the most popular and is closest to some of the more commonly photographed areas, but it is also the smallest and fills up quickly.

For larger groups, I often recommend using Lot B or Lot C. These areas still provide beautiful mountain scenery and access to great photo locations while allowing more space for vehicles and families to move around comfortably.

Because parking is limited, I recommend planning ahead and carpooling when possible. For larger family sessions, I often recommend meeting at the base of Little Cottonwood Canyon and riding together to help reduce the number of vehicles and make parking easier.

About Albion Basin

Albion Basin is located in Little Cottonwood Canyon and is one of my favorite summer photography locations near Salt Lake City. The area typically opens for the season in late June or early July and remains open through late fall (or until the first snowfall).

The Albion Basin wildflowers typically bloom from early July through early August (depending on the weather each year). Bloom timing can vary significantly, with some years having access open by late June and wildflowers beginning as early as the Fourth of July weekend, while other years the best blooms may not arrive until later in July.

Because the wildflowers are dependent on snowmelt, weather, and elevation, I always recommend checking current conditions and opening dates each year before planning your session around wildflowers specifically. Peak blooms are often brief, so timing can make a big difference.

A Beautiful Albion Basin Family Session

Our session was sunny and full of warm light. It was so fun seeing them again and capturing the images they wanted, along with fun moments and the sweet detail shots I love to include. I feel so grateful to see so many repeat clients throughout the years!

I'd love to work with you! Contact me to book your session or follow me on Instagram to see more of my work.

Note for Out-of-State Travelers

Albion Basin is at a higher elevation than many visitors are used to. I once had a family visiting from Texas where the husband experienced some altitude sickness, so I always recommend staying hydrated and giving yourself time to adjust before spending time at higher elevations.

Albion Basin is one of my favorite photography locations in Little Cottonwood Canyon! If you’re looking for another beautiful mountain location for photos, you might also love this Jordan Pines Winter Family Session.

If you’re a photographer looking to streamline your editing, you can check out my presets for photographers to get the same bright, natural look I use in my sessions.

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