Alta Trail
What to Expect
Safety Advisory
The upper sections sit above 9,000 feet — if you're coming from sea level, the altitude can hit hard. Headaches and shortness of breath are common for unacclimatized hikers, so spend a day at elevation before tackling this one.
Snow lingers on the north-facing switchbacks well into June, and early-season crossings can be icy in the morning. Microspikes are worth the weight if you're hiking before mid-July.
The exposed ridgeline sections offer zero shelter from afternoon thunderstorms, which build fast in the Sierra from July through September. Plan to be off the high points by early afternoon.
Trail Details
Pro Tips
Start from the Wolverton parking lot for the most direct approach — it shaves off distance compared to other trailheads and puts you on the Lakes Trail connector, which joins the Alta Trail at Mehrten Meadow.
Carry at least three liters of water per person. There are seasonal creek crossings in early summer, but by August the upper sections run dry and there's no reliable refill until you're back down.
The stretch between Mehrten Meadow and Alta Meadow catches golden-hour light beautifully — if you time your turnaround for late afternoon, you'll get the Great Western Divide lit up like a painting behind you on the return.
