The Flower Fields in Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Northern Utah

Oct 11

As we now transition into fall, I look back on the summer photos I’ve taken. One thing is for certain! The flower Fields in Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon in Northern Utah takes the cake for my favorite location!

With its beautiful sunsets, canyon views, flower fields, and variety in color it is such a dreamy location for couples, first looks, or bridal shoots.

Here are some tips from a Utah wedding photographer to make the most of your visit to Albion Basin.

GETTING TO ALBION BASIN

You can take the longer route and hike up to the flower fields from behind the Albion Grill.

This isn’t exactly ideal if you are trying to preserve your skin from glistening in your photoshoot. The hike is somewhat steep in parts! It’s what I would call taking the scenic route.

What I would recommend is paying the $10 fee to pass the toll booth and park in Catherine’s Parking Lot higher up the canyon. In the parking lot there are great views of the overlook and you are just a short walk down from the flowers.

Even though the flower fields can be highly trafficked, there are different directions of the switchbacks so if you are doing a first look there are likely more private areas where this could happen!

PRESERVING THE WILDFLOWERS

The best time to see the wildflowers is from Late July to Early August.

This past year, 2022, the wildflowers were roped off to protect the natural habitat. However, when I was there, there were 6 areas with mats provided where your clients could stand and appear that they were in the flower fields.

GENIUS.

I’ve seen a lot of photographers keep the ropes in their photos along with others deciding to photoshop them out.

PHOTO TIP: If the flowers are dying and it's toward the end of their season, one trick is to have your clients take a knee so that the existing flowers in the foreground make it seem like they are surrounded by a flower field.

Tips for Photoshoots at the Flower Fields in Albion Basin, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Northern Utah

LIGHTING

Sunsets are magnificent up here at the Albion Basin in Northern Utah. The light rays stream through the canyon and light up the flowers around them.

If you are looking for more vibrant colors in the flowers (OR hoping they are not so washed out by the bright light) stay until the sun just sets. The bright colors of the flowers really POP in this lit shade!