Modest route finding skills needed. 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 … Alta Peak is 11,204’ and is a ~14 mile out and back. 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. Disability placard and winter parking for Sherman Tree. 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. 24-25 Dec 2004 - by Rob Yang. Scrambled up the Watchtower on the way back to Wolverton. Your route sounds much more interesting though! Distance: 7 miles each way. But the trail is more beautiful than I remember. 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.). The peak provides some of the best views and high-country scenery within day-hiking distance of the Lodgepole/Wolverton area. Leave Lone Pine by… 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!) This hike is a popular weekend overnight destination; so don’t expect to be by yourself in high season. Soon the trail reaches the junction with the Hump route, and shortly after that, the trail curves around Heather Lake. 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. It’s mostly uphill. 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. The trail is it's usual muddy rooty state. But, you can see most of the park from the top on a clear day. 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 trail starts off heading uphill before you cross into the wilderness boundary. Located 37 miles east-northeast of Visalia California. 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. 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. We pass a pretty populated campground at Merhten Meadow. The path less taken is the Alta Peak Trail (right), although the Pear Lake trail (left) is an important one for winter travelers. 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. Thanks for the report. Trailhead: Wolverton. Outside of our quota season you still need a … We secured permits departing from the Alta trailhead on Sept 1, 2019. The trail to Alta peak has a little exposure but it's not dangerous. Alta Mountain is a rocky summit featuring 360 degree views of Rainier, Hibox, and the Chikamins. The summit is gained via a fairly steep, nearly 2-mile long, 2,000-foot high climb. Heather Lake is, I think, the most attractive (if also the most ordinary) of … Fall colors just at or beyond peak now. 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. Pickup after 1 PM the day before or before 9 AM the day of. More erosion is evident on the old Rachel Lake Trail #1313. 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. 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. Reaching these amazing views involves a long, strenuous climb gaining almost 4,000-ft. in 6.9 miles. It's funny you mentioned the summit rock at Alta. Hiked up via the Alta Peak trail, then walked down to Pear Lake and out on the Lakes Trail. It was 10:37pm the moment I rolled into the gloomy parking lot of the Lodgepole Visitor Center in Sequoia National Park. But, it’s on my list. Because of its popularity, this is the only trail in Sequoia and Kings Canyon that does not have reservable overnight permits. This time of year water comes down the trail washing the roots and rocks and forming shallow mud holes. We got our permits! Lakes Trail - Heather, Emerald and Pear Lakes, near Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park. Admittedly, I haven’t done this hiking trail yet. 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). Schedule a Tour. 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). 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