Families love to hike at Alta -- and for the first time in its 80 years it's running the Sunnyside lift so hikers can get to the vast Albion Basin quickly and disperse onto trails from there. The lift rides are especially helpful for families with small children who sometime tucker out quickly before they get to the intended hike.

Summer lift rides are a pilot program in conjunction with Alta, the Town of Alta, and the U.S. Forest Service. The goal is to offer the alpine experience to all while minimizing the environmental impact. The Sunnyside lift is scheduled to operate on weekends and holidays through Sept. 3.

Lift tickets are sold in the Albion Grill base lodge. $10 for adults. $5 for those 12 and younger. The tickets are good for s round trip. However, there is no cost if you just want to ride down. Season passes are not valid for a summer lift ride.

The lift ride is also ideal for family members who don't hike but who who would like to enjoy an on-the-mountain "skier experience" riding a lift. As a bonus, the wildflowers are starting to bloom at the top in the Albion Basin.

You can buy snacks and beverages in the base area at the Albion Grill and Alta Java.

Enjoy a refreshing beverage at Susie Howard's Alta Java on the lower level / photo: Harriet Wallis

When you go:

Take sun glasses and a jacket. The temperature on the mountain is often a lot cooler than in the valley.

... and for your convenience, bathrooms are available in the Albion Grill base lodge / photo: Harriet Wallis