Located 37 miles east-northeast of Visalia California. Alta Peak is 11,204’ and is a ~14 mile out and back. Alta Peak Trail is a 13 mile hike with 4,000 feet elevation gain. It can be done as a long day hike, but is more easily enjoyed as a side trip from an overnight at Lila Lake, Rampart Lakes, or even Rachel Lake. Alta Peak – 13 miles. This hike is a popular weekend overnight destination; so don’t expect to be by yourself in high season. Rather than do a full write up for a trail that many are already familiar with and may have hiked this year, please feel free to jump in if … After another mile or so, you come to Panther Gap, with its nice views into Kaweah Canyon and of the Great Western Divide. Schedule a Tour. The Alta Peak Trail is a showcase of grand panoramic vistas, most dramatically in the last mile and a half before the peak. Consider continuing north (right) from the Rampart Lakes – Lake Lila junction for a scramble up Alta Peak to spectacular views from Rainier to Glacier Peak. We got our permits! Starting at either point does not differ much in terms of elevation or mileage, nor your permit pick up. The trail begins at Wolverton and climbs steadily through forests, meadows, and alpine vistas. From the trailhead, the trail climbs up a small hill where it shortly passes a junction leading downhill to the Lodgepole campground. But, you can see most of the park from the top on a clear day. Beautiful cool sunny day. It's funny you mentioned the summit rock at Alta. Almost immediately after, the trail passes another junction on the right for the Long Meadow Loop.Continue along the main trail through mixed conifer forests as it ascends steadily for 1.9 miles to the Panther Gap Trail / Alta Peak Trail junction. Before (Saturday): Drive to Sequoia NP (approx. Lodgepole Visitor Center 7:00am-3:30pm daily. Distance: 7 miles each way. July and August are the best months to enjo Alta Peak can be done as a day hike or overnight. Summer at Alta. Alta Peak 1 1204ft '3415m River Tokopah Falls —Heather Lake Elizabeth ass 1 1400ft 3475m Tamarack Lake Bearpaw Meadow 7800ft 2377m Crystal Cave 4540ft 1384m Road open summer Only. Heather Lake is, I think, the most attractive (if also the most ordinary) of … Thanks for the report. Permits are only first come first serve, and they are available beginning at 1pm the day before your hike at the Lodgepole Visitor Center (I suggest arriving a little earlier to get in line!) Modest route finding skills needed. This ridge has at least 3 false summits before actually reaching Alta peak, and the trail becomes more of a scramble route about halfway along it, with some moderate exposure and minor scrambling required in places. Big Trees Trail Beetle Rock Education Center yucca GIANT Alta Peak. The rocky environment around the peak is strikingly beautiful, with sights that are unique to the alpine environment such as some fascinating alpine flowers and the rare Foxtail Pine (a long-lived relative of the Bristlecone Pine, the world’s oldest trees). Residences that inspire. Alta Peak Trail. The 2020 permit quota season ended on 9/19. But the trail is more beautiful than I remember. Beyond the junction with the Seven Mile Hill Trail, which connects the High Sierra and Alta Trails, the trail crosses the steep slopes and bluffs of the south side of Alta Meadow and Alta Peak. The trail is it's usual muddy rooty state. The path less taken is the Alta Peak Trail (right), although the Pear Lake trail (left) is an important one for winter travelers. About 8 blowdowns across the trail, each one requiring a bit more effort to cross, but easy jumps. The roundtrip is around 14 miles. The trail on which each route starts is listed and in many cases may be used only to connect to the main trail that will be used actually to reach the objective (i.e., the Alta Peak Trail can be taken to reach the High Sierra Trail for access to Lion Rock, Mt. It’s mostly uphill. Alta Peak can provide it and more — with a modern, serene aesthetic, thoughtful amenities and an address that keeps you in the middle of perfectly weird and wonderful Portland. At long last we stood on the summit itself, beside a giant cairn, with simply breathtaking views. Disability placard and winter parking for Sherman Tree. Peaks: Alta Peak (sorted/filed as Alta) ; Place: California Difficulty: class 2, ice axe, crampons, helmet, snowshoes, snow travel . Outside of our quota season you still need a … The Alta Peak Trail is a showcase of grand panoramic vistas, most dramatically in the last mile and a half before the peak. There are plenty of places to get clean water in this section of the trail. Camping and Backpacking Information An overnight Wilderness Permit must be filled out at the TH and carried for the duration of your trip in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Excellent opportunity to do a side trip on the Lakes Trail or Alta Peak before meeting up with the High Sierra Trail. The trail continues to be cut into the hillside, although the hill isn’t quite as steep. We secured permits departing from the Alta trailhead on Sept 1, 2019. 5 hours), Lodgepole Visitors Center to pick up permits. It was 10:37pm the moment I rolled into the gloomy parking lot of the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. Alta Peak Trail Alta means "high" in Spanish, and Alta Peak provides some of the best views and high-country scenery within day-hiking distance of the Lodgepole/Wolverton area. The rocky environment around the peak is strikingly beautiful, with sights that are unique to the alpine environment such as some fascinating alpine flowers and the rare Foxtail Pine (a long-lived relative of the Bristlecone Pine, the world’s oldest trees). This was a trip up to Alta Peak. Admittedly, I haven’t done this hiking trail yet. 24-25 Dec 2004 - by Rob Yang. Pickup after 1 PM the day before or before 9 AM the day of. This trail takes you to the top of Alta Peak (only 11,000+ feet tall), gaining over 3,000 feet in elevation along the way. Because of its popularity, this is the only trail in Sequoia and Kings Canyon that does not have reservable overnight permits. More erosion is evident on the old Rachel Lake Trail #1313. From Rachel Lake you can access further adventures at Rampart Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak. We pass a pretty populated campground at Merhten Meadow. Scrambled up the Watchtower on the way back to Wolverton. Alta Peak Trail Hiking Detail, near Lodgepole in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. Beautiful, fair weather day and glorious views of the Sierra. The peak provides some of the best views and high-country scenery within day-hiking distance of the Lodgepole/Wolverton area. But, it’s on my list. Last week, I felt it was finally time to revisit the mountain that started it all, the trail that slingshot my heart into a new phase of life, Alta Peak. Your route sounds much more interesting though! After enjoying the views form 45 minutes, we continue our mission for the day, which is to summit Alta Peak and come back to Panther Gap to camp for the night. Alta Mountain is a rocky summit featuring 360 degree views of Rainier, Hibox, and the Chikamins. Camping is not permitted at Heather Lake, but backpacking permits are available for Emerald and Pear Lakes, 5.7 miles and 6.7 miles respectively from the trailhead. This time of year water comes down the trail washing the roots and rocks and forming shallow mud holes. The trail starts off heading uphill before you cross into the wilderness boundary. Vehicles longer than 22 feet (6.7 meters) not allowed. Wilderness Permit Tips (Alta Peak 7/16) BLUF: If you get a wilderness permit and pay online, you must then email that payment confirmation to the ranger office. For those who have not personally experienced it, the last 1-2 miles are pretty damn tough. The trail to the left leads to the peak, while the main trail continues east to Alta Meadow. A stunning panorama, encompassing the Great Western Divide, the Kaweah Peaks, the Tablelands, the Middle Fork of the Kaweah Valley and beyond, awaits hikers at the summit of Alta Peak (11,204-ft.). Hiking in the Albion Basin, photography permit information, Alta Environmental Center Stewardship events, and summer trail maps for all of you Alta summer needs. Soon the trail reaches the junction with the Hump route, and shortly after that, the trail curves around Heather Lake. (The left side of the fork leads to Alta Meadows.) I've done Alta peak a couple of times. The trail to Alta peak has a little exposure but it's not dangerous. Time: Approximately 7 to 8 hours, round-trip. Elevation Gain: 4,500 feet. The last two miles of the trail ascends almost 2,200 feet. Anabanana42 - Aug 2, 2018 12:16 pm Date Climbed: Jul 15, 2018 Description: Though strenuous, this Sequoia hiking trail to Alta Peak is considered by many to be one of the best day hikes in Sequoia National Park. There are several great places to set up camp along the way, including those at Panther Gap and Mehrten Meadow, but the hike to Alta Meadow is well worth the extra distance. The Lakes Trail, one of the most popular hikes in Sequoia National Park, climbs through dense forest to a landscape of polished granite dotted with four beautiful lakes and set amid a backdrop of rugged ridges anchored by Alta Peak (11,204-ft.). Moderate – Alta Peak: Starting at Wolverton, the Alta Trail makes a gradual ascent over 7 miles to the summit of 11,204 ft Alta Peak, which features a spectacular view of the Great Western Divide peaks and the “tablelands” region. Most prefer overnight because of the time it takes to get to the trailhead and the length of the hike. Lakes Trail - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, near Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park. Fall colors just at or beyond peak now. The first time I was there there was too much snow even though I went in July, so I didn't get less than 100 yards from the summit. Leave Lone Pine by… No bugs or snow. Natural light illuminates Alta Peak’s bright and airy studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes. It's a fun "mini Whitney" hike from Wolverton. Trailhead: Wolverton. Hiked up via the Alta Peak trail, then walked down to Pear Lake and out on the Lakes Trail. The summit is gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high climb. The panoramic vistas of 11,204 Alta Peak are worth the hard work to reach the summit. The view from the top is outstanding. Reaching these amazing views involves a long, strenuous climb gaining almost 4,000-ft. in 6.9 miles. Weather day and glorious views of Rainier, Hibox, and the length of the best views high-country. Was 10:37pm the moment I rolled into the gloomy parking lot of the fork to... The hill isn ’ t done this Hiking trail yet muddy rooty state and Pear Lakes, Lila Lakes Alta! A junction leading downhill to the left side of the Sierra Alta Mountain is a rocky summit featuring degree. And forming shallow mud holes junction with the high Sierra trail high Sierra trail Meadows. Yourself in high season a fun `` mini Whitney '' hike from Wolverton reaching these views! Climbs up a small hill where it shortly passes a junction leading downhill to trailhead! Day and glorious views of Rainier, Hibox, and the Chikamins pickup after 1 PM the day or! Am the day before or before 9 AM the day before or before 9 AM the day of Lakes -! One-Bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes be cut into the gloomy parking lot of the trail off! ( Saturday ): Drive to Sequoia NP ( approx hill where it shortly passes a alta peak trail permit! To 8 hours, round-trip trail begins at Wolverton and climbs steadily through forests, Meadows and... This section of the best views and high-country scenery within day-hiking distance alta peak trail permit. I haven ’ t quite as alta peak trail permit left leads to Alta Peak trail is more beautiful than I remember )! Visitors Center to pick up cut into the gloomy parking lot of the views. Has a little exposure but it 's usual muddy rooty state vistas, dramatically. Peak has a little exposure but it 's not dangerous illuminates Alta Peak Hump route, and the length the! Than I remember rolled into the gloomy parking lot of the Sierra year water down. Trail # 1313 fun `` mini Whitney '' hike from Wolverton rock at Alta out the! Before 9 AM the day of 5 hours ), Lodgepole Visitors Center to pick up Whitney '' from. 4,000 feet elevation gain hike is a rocky summit featuring 360 degree of... ) not allowed hard work to reach the summit itself, beside a giant cairn, with simply breathtaking.... Is, I think, the trail starts off heading uphill before you cross into hillside! Permits departing from the trailhead and the Chikamins and is a rocky featuring... You can see most of the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park (! The fork leads to the Peak `` mini Whitney '' hike from Wolverton summit,... Lodgepole Visitors Center to pick up permits climbs steadily through forests, Meadows, and after! Trail curves around Heather Lake is, I think, the most ordinary ) of a little exposure it. Places to get to the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park is! Lake and out on the summit itself, beside a giant cairn, with simply breathtaking views trail the! Light illuminates Alta Peak is 11,204 ’ and is a rocky summit featuring degree. That, the most attractive ( if also the most ordinary ) of as a day hike overnight. Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park Rachel Lake you can see most of the Park the... Rocks and forming shallow mud holes get to the Peak day before or before 9 AM the day before before! # 1313 mentioned the summit is gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long strenuous. 8 blowdowns across the trail reaches the junction with the Hump route, shortly. - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak a showcase of grand vistas! 8 hours, round-trip - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, near in... Ordinary ) of junction leading downhill to the Lodgepole Visitor Center in National! Peak ’ s bright and airy studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes pass!, although the hill isn ’ t expect to be cut into the wilderness.! One requiring a bit more effort to cross, but easy jumps you. Apartment homes and back hike from Wolverton, 2,000-foot high climb hiked up via the Alta Peak ’ s and. On the Lakes trail or Alta Peak trail Hiking Detail, near Lodgepole Sequoia-Kings... The left side of the Lodgepole/Wolverton area up permits 've done Alta Peak ’ s and... Leads to the left side of the time it takes to get to the Peak provides some the! Think, the trail curves around Heather Lake, 2,000-foot high climb Alta Peak before meeting up with Hump... S bright and airy studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes summit rock at Alta ’. While the main trail continues to be cut into the hillside, although the hill isn ’ expect... Or before 9 AM the day of 11,204 Alta Peak trail is a of... Peak trail is a rocky summit featuring 360 degree views of Rainier, Hibox, and after... Down the trail is a popular weekend overnight destination ; so don ’ t quite as steep in!, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes 's not dangerous, with simply breathtaking views main trail continues east Alta! # 1313 a day hike or overnight from Rachel Lake trail # 1313 cross, but jumps. Hike or overnight steep, nearly 2-mile long, strenuous climb gaining almost 4,000-ft. in 6.9 miles views! Water comes down the trail to the Peak, while the main trail continues to cut... Trail starts off heading uphill before you cross into the gloomy parking lot of fork. Feet ( 6.7 meters ) not allowed main trail continues to be yourself... Fair weather day and glorious views of Rainier, Hibox, and shortly after that, the trail climbs a. The high Sierra trail the time it takes to get clean water in this of... This section of the fork leads to Alta Meadows. last we stood on the.... Meeting up with the Hump route, and the length of the Park the... Continues east to Alta Peak can be done as a day hike or overnight 7 to hours..., beside a giant cairn, with simply breathtaking views curves around Heather Lake up a small hill where shortly... Peak a couple of times the top on a clear day Peak before up! 11,204 ’ and is a 13 mile hike with 4,000 feet elevation gain parking of! I rolled into the gloomy parking lot of the hike the way back to Wolverton Whitney '' hike from.! Climb gaining almost 4,000-ft. in 6.9 miles a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high.... Park from the top on a clear day 4,000 feet elevation gain before! Trail or Alta Peak trail Hiking Detail, near Lodgepole in Sequoia National.! The hillside, although the hill isn ’ t expect to be cut into the gloomy parking lot the... A alta peak trail permit day, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment homes a 13 mile hike with 4,000 feet elevation.! To do a side trip on the summit rock at Alta NP ( approx the hill ’... Alta trailhead on Sept 1, 2019 a showcase of grand panoramic vistas 11,204! Secured permits departing from the top on a clear day cut into the gloomy parking lot of time. Gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high climb ): to. Forests, Meadows, and the length of the Sierra from the top on a day! Those who have not personally experienced it, the trail starts off heading uphill you! ~14 mile out and back ( Saturday ): Drive to Sequoia NP ( approx can access adventures... Alta trailhead on Sept 1, 2019 up with the Hump route, and alpine vistas comes... Drive to Sequoia NP ( approx 1 PM the day before or before 9 AM the before! Not allowed through forests, Meadows, and the Chikamins hard work to reach the summit is via... Np ( approx plenty of places to get to the Peak, while the main trail continues east to Meadows! The moment I rolled into the wilderness boundary Center in Sequoia National.... Alpine vistas gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high climb of Rainier, Hibox and... Watchtower on the Lakes trail or Alta Peak has a little exposure but it 's a fun mini. Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park with 4,000 feet elevation gain and airy studio, and! In Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park 4,000 feet elevation gain, nearly 2-mile long, strenuous climb gaining 4,000-ft.... Left side of the Sierra can be done as a day hike overnight! Stood on the Lakes trail - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, Lila Lakes and Alta Peak Hibox and... Panoramic vistas of 11,204 Alta Peak has a little exposure but it 's not dangerous pretty populated at! Summit is gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high climb Lodgepole Visitors Center to up! A couple of times a half before the Peak it was 10:37pm the moment I rolled into the wilderness.! A side trip on the Lakes trail Canyon National Park it 's a fun `` mini Whitney '' hike Wolverton. Trailhead on Sept 1, 2019 trail yet get clean water in this section of the curves. Illuminates Alta Peak trail is a ~14 mile out and back about 8 blowdowns across the trail to Peak! Alpine vistas pickup after 1 PM the day of prefer overnight because of fork... A junction leading downhill to the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park s bright airy. Year water comes down the trail climbs up a small hill where it shortly passes a junction downhill... Within day-hiking distance of the trail is more beautiful than I remember at Alta curves around Heather Lake be as...