Alta Peak, 11204 ft (3415 m)

Where: Sequoia National Park

Trail head: Alta Peak trail head, near Lodgepole on the Generals Highway

Length: 13 miles round trip

Cumulative elevation gain: 3500 ft

Difficulty: Strenuous

Reservations required: No

Advance planning typically required for permit: N/A

Permit requirements: Get pass upon entry to Sequoia/Kings Canyon parks. If arriving very early or late, get pass upon exit.

Price: Pay at park entrance, waived with national park pass

Report date: 2007-06-24

Reported by: Silviu

Driving directions: Take Hwy 180 E into Kings Canyon/Sequoia. Approximately 4 hours from the Bay Area, 5 on a Friday afternoon, depending on traffic conditions.

Maps: TopoZone.com map

Trail condition: Very good.

Description and other notes: This is one of the few peaks in Sequoia National Park for each you don't have to backpack to have 360-degree views. Also, views of the Great Western Divide accompany you along the trail. The peak itself is a rock that doesn't require any technical skill, but you should always be careful about rain and lightning. From the peak, you can easily identify Mount Silliman and Mount Whitney, among others. If you want to extend your stay, Alta meadow is a very good place to camp, but you have to obtain a wilderness permit before.

Comments

The trail just before reaching Alta Peak.

The register and the marker on Alta Peak.

There is enough room for a few people on top.

You can also rest for a moment on Alta Peak...

Great Western Divide seen from the trail below Alta Peak.

It's quite common in Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks to see a black bear.