Hiking & Backpacking the Alta Peak Trail (Sequoia National Park)

Alta Peak is one of Sequoia National Park’s most sought-after hiking destinations. The summit offers what might be one of the best views in the entire park: a sweeping panorama of alpine lakes and granite formations. 

I highly encourage adding a visit to the neighboring Alta Meadow, a place that could easily be mistaken for a contemporary Garden of Eden. The entire Alta trail itself is scenic, winding through colorful meadows and along a breathtaking ridge.

In this guide I’ll provide information that will help you plan your Alta Peak hike. I’ll also share my experience backpacking the Alta Peak trail and camping at Alta Meadow.

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to day hiking and beginner’s guide to backpacking. Also for more places to explore in California, browse my California destination guides.

Related Articles:
Hamilton Lake (Sequoia National Park)
Lakes Trail to Pear Lake (Sequoia National Park)

Alta Peak Backpacking Trail Report

Hamilton Lake to the Alta Peak Trail

My journey to Alta Peak began from Hamilton Lake, where I’d camped the previous night. If you’re starting from the Wolverton parking lot, you’d take the Lakes trail, followed by the Panther Gap trail and finally the Alta trail. 

The first ~2.8 miles of the hike traverses lush meadows. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer you’ll be treated to multi-colored flowers in full bloom. After leaving the meadow area, the Alta Trail continues along a ridge that is lined by wildflowers and overlooks a deep valley.

Alta Trail to Alta Meadow

Around the 5-mile mark, a creek at the base of Alta Peak signals the start of the ascent to the summit. From here I took the trail to Alta Meadow and set up camp for the night. Surprisingly, I was the only one there. 

The camping area was extensive, next to a small waterfall and the most enchanting wildflower meadow I’ve ever seen. The phrase “Garden of Eden” comes to mind. There were flowers of all colors, delicate stems mingling with meaty stalks and fat glossy leaves. The meadow seemed to stretch on endlessly, with snow-dusted mountains far in the distance.

Alta Peak

Unfortunately I didn’t sleep too well when camping at Alta Meadow, mostly due to my own intrusive thoughts. Camping alone in remote locations is still a work in progress for me. In the morning I returned to the base of Alta Peak, taking in the view of the imposing peaks from below. 

The trail leading to the summit lay beneath a vast, unstable field of snow, which was enough to discourage me from continuing. Yes, that’s right; there was still snow on the trail in August. I didn’t have traction devices with me, nor the patience to constantly navigate around snow and ice. I was also starting to feel fatigued from the altitude and covering over 30 miles in the previous 2 days.

Change of Plans

I think there are two important lessons from my decision to turn around. First, understand and respect your physical limits, as I did. I was backpacking alone, and a fatigue-induced accident could have put me in a dangerous situation. I’m considering hiking with an emergency signaling device for similar situations in the future.

Second (and here’s where I failed), plan your itinerary well. It was my first time hiking in Sequoia National Park and I was eager to see as many sights as possible. Realistically though, most of the popular trails don’t seamlessly connect into an efficient backpacking loop. My itinerary was high in mileage due to a frustrating amount of out-and-back hiking. Instead, I recommend focusing on a single trail and exploring lesser-known side trails that branch off from it.

After bailing on the Alta Peak summit, I continued my backpacking adventure by trekking over to Pear Lake. Unfortunately luck was not on my side and I got caught in an unexpected thunderstorm. I learned a good lesson out of that experience too…read about my Pear Lake adventure to hear more.

Trip Planning Information

Alta Peak Trail Map and Information

The Alta Peak hike is very strenuous. It can be completed in a day by experienced hikers, or as a more leisurely backpacking trip. The trail is very well-maintained and easy to follow.

The out and back hike to Alta Peak from Wolverton parking lot is a total of 13.5 miles and 6,000 feet elevation gain. Add another ~2 miles for a round trip visit to Alta Meadow.

Alta Peak Hike Useful Tips

• Limited phone service. Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the trailhead and on the trail itself. Download Google Maps of the area and hiking trail GPS information in advance. 
• Altitude awareness. Altitude sickness can occur above 8,000 ft elevation. Alta Peak elevation is ~11,200 ft. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and turn around if needed.
• Beat the heat. Start hiking early, especially in summer. Much of the trail is not shaded and can get hot.
• Leave no trace. The alpine environment is fragile; let’s keep it pristine. 
• Marmots. They are cute, but protect your car from them. From spring to mid-summer they may chew through radiator hoses and car wiring. Use a tarp to protect your car; the ranger station may have some to lend to you.

Sequoia National Park Weather and When to Go

Plan your visit between late spring and early fall. Depending on the year, the trail may have ice and snow from late October into July. Check recent trail reports on AllTrails and call the Sequoia National Park ranger for current conditions.

Temperatures on the trail in summer are very hot during the day and cool at night. If you’re hiking in fall, check local conditions first. Fall wildfires are common.

In winter, temperatures are very cold and roads within the park may close. Chains may be required to drive in Sequoia National Park in winter.

Sequoia National Park Information

Sequoia National Park entrance is $35 per car, paid at the kiosk on the road leading to the park. You can use your US National parks pass or purchase one once you arrive for $80.

There are no specific park hours, and dogs are not permitted on the trails.

Alta Peak Permits

If you’re doing a day hike (I’m impressed!), you don’t need a permit.

If you’d like to camp overnight along the Alta trail to break up the strenuous hike, a wilderness permit is mandatory. From May 24 through September 28, overnight visitors are limited to 30 people per day. 20 permits are released online 6 months in advance. 10 permits are available on a walk-up basis. You can obtain a walk-up permit from Lodgepole Visitor Center starting from 1:00 PM the day before your trip begins. 

To reserve your permit in advance, visit the reservation site and select “Alta”. Have backup dates in mind due to the Alta Peak trail’s popularity. 

Pick up your permit at Lodgepole Visitor Center (open 8 AM – 5 PM) before your hike. Ask the rangers for advice about your planned route and current conditions, they are very helpful!

Sequoia National Park Directions and Parking

Sequoia National Park is accessed from Generals Highway and is on the Western side of California’s Sierra mountains. The closest city is Fresno (2 hr). The Alta Peak trailhead is a 4 hr 20 min drive from Los Angeles or from the Bay Area.

The roads in Sequoia National Park are paved but may close seasonally or for construction. Check current conditions before heading out.  

For the Alta Peak hike, navigate to the parking lot at “Wolverton Picnic Area”. The parking lot is for both day and overnight use and has restrooms. Bear boxes are available; avoid leaving scented items in your car. Also arrive early to ensure a parking spot.

What to Bring When Hiking Alta Peak

For a full list of what to bring, refer to my complete day hiking and backpacking checklists. For this hike I would stress the following:

Alta Peak Day Hike Items

• Trail Map. Download the map for offline navigation. 
• Day Hiking Backpack or Backpacking Pack (Women’s, Men’s). Invest in a high-quality and durable pack that will last for years!
• Hiking Shoes. Women’s, Men’s. I do not recommend running or general athletic shoes for this hike. Their lack of traction will cause you to slip.
• Hiking Socks. Women’s, Men’s. Wool is essential to keep your feet dry and blister-free.
• Hiking Pants. Women’s, Men’s. I love these pants because they are lightweight, durable, and have pockets.
• Hiking T-Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. Quick-drying T-Shirts are ideal. Tank tops will cause your skin to rub uncomfortably against your backpack straps.
• Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt. Women’s, Men’s. This is the best way to protect yourself from the sun and mosquitos. 
• Trekking Poles. These will save your knees on descents and provide stability when crossing streams and rocky terrain.
• Hat. Sections of this hike are very exposed, so protect yourself from the sun.
• Sunscreen.
• Lip Balm with SPF.
• Mosquito spray. I love this all-natural one because it’s very effective and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals.
• Mosquito head net. Mosquitos can be unbearable in some seasons. I use this to prevent them from getting in my eyes and mouth or biting my face.
• Water in a Reservoir or Bottle. Bring a lot of water – this is a long and hot hike.
• Water Filter. Will enable you to carry less water.
• Electrolytes. These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation.
• Portable Charger and Cable. It’s good to be prepared if your phone battery dies.
• Headlamp and Spare Batteries. Whether or not you plan to camp, this is a safety essential.
• Garmin inReach (optional). Sends your GPS coordinates and calls for help in emergency situations. 
• First-Aid Kit
• Microspikes. May be needed for the final ascent to the summit.

Alta Peak Backpacking Items

• Bear canister. Bear canisters are required for camping in this area. 
• Tent
• Sleeping Pad
• Sleeping Bag and Compression Sack
• Stove
• Puffy Jacket. Women’s, Men’s. It gets cold at night.

Alta Peak Camping Sites (for Backpackers)

2.7 miles into the Alta Peak hike, there are places to camp near the ridge where the Panther Gap Trail and Alta Trails intersect. 

At 4 miles in, Mehrten Creek has a nice campsite. Continue one more mile from here to camp near the base of Alta Peak. Or camp at Alta Meadow, a large campsite that is 6 miles from the trailhead. 

The campsites are forested, and they do not have bear boxes or restrooms.

Backpacking Water Sources

If you’re hiking with a filter there are many places to refill, but some water sources may dry up late in the season.

Refill at mile 5 before doing the steep 3.5 mile out and back trip to the Alta Peak summit.

Where to Stay

Before hiking to Alta Peak, it’s a good idea to stay nearby the night before to acclimate to the altitude and ensure an early start on the trail.

Sequoia National Park Camping

There are many campgrounds in Sequoia National Park that are open seasonally. The closest ones to the Alta Peak trailhead are Lodgepole and Potwisha campgrounds. You can reserve them on recreation.gov up to 4 months in advance. Reserve early, as spots go quickly in the high season.

Accommodation near Sequoia National Park

Mid-range options: 

• Cozy Cottage (Miramonte)
• Lazy J Ranch Motel (Three Rivers)
• Rustic Rooms by Kings Canyon & Sequoia National Parks (Squaw Valley)

The only place to stay that’s within the park itself is Wuksachi Lodge, which is perfect if you’re looking to splurge!

Things to Do Near the Alta Peak Hike

Check out the Sequoia groves in the park! The General Sherman tree is the largest tree on earth by volume, at over 36 ft (11 m) in diameter. The giant sequoia trees can live to be up to 3,000 years old and are native only to California. This is the best spot to get your quintessential Sequoia National Park photos.

For more hiking, check out the trails to Pear Lake or Hamilton Lake.

Thanks for reading! I hope this detailed information helps you plan your hike to Alta Peak. Let me know your questions in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts on camping alone and crafting the perfect backpacking itinerary!

For more places to explore, check out my guides to other hikes and backpacking trips in California.

Confirm all logistical and safety information before your trip. Also If you buy through links on this site, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thanks for supporting me in creating free content for you to enjoy!

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