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11,210 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Alta Peak

Alta Peak is an 11,210 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Alta Trail: 12 mi, 4,140 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Alta Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Alta Peak at a glance

  • Elevation11,210 ft3,416 m
  • RouteAlta TrailClass 1
  • Distance12 mi4,140 ft gain
  • Time8 – 10 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Alta Trail

From Three Rivers, drive Highway 198 into Sequoia National Park and up the Generals Highway, then turn onto Wolverton Road to the Wolverton trailhead. Take the Lakes Trail a short way and branch onto the Alta Trail, which climbs through forest to Panther Gap, then traverses past Mehrten and Tharps Rock to the exposed granite summit (Class 1, with an easy final scramble). Water is scarce above the meadows, so carry plenty. Snow can hide the upper trail into summer. Start early to avoid lightning.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (35–55 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Storms
  • High altitude
  • Snow near summit
  • Dry conditions

Quests with Alta Peak

Peaks near Alta Peak

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 18.7 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 20.1 mi away

  3. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 20.6 mi away

  4. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 20.7 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Alta Peak?

Alta Peak is 11,210 feet (3,416 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Alta Peak?

The Alta Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 12 miles with 4,140 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Alta Peak?

Most people take 8 – 10 hours round trip on the Alta Trail, covering 12 miles with 4,140 feet of elevation gain. That is a long day, so start before dawn and set a turnaround time.

Can a beginner hike Alta Peak?

The Alta Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 12 miles with 4,140 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

What time should you start hiking Alta Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon. At 8 – 10 hours round trip, many parties start in the dark.

When is the best time to hike Alta Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Alta Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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