Alta Meadow Trail

Alta Meadow Trail is a 13.1-mile out-and-back from Wolverton, climbing through fir forest and spring-fed openings, across Panther Gap, then out along the Alta Meadow branch. The meadow is a broad, sloping opening edged with firs and pines, with the Great Western Divide behind it. This is the meadow outing, not the climb to Alta Peak; the final junction sends those routes in different directions. Allow about 7–9 hours and roughly 2,300 feet of climbing. It is a hard day at high elevation, worth choosing when you want the meadow itself rather than a summit scramble.

From the combined Alta Peak and Lakes Trailhead, follow the short connector and stay right at the Lakes Trail junction toward Panther Gap and Alta Peak. Red fir dominates the early climb, with white fir, sugar pine and Jeffrey pine mixed in. Wolverton Creek runs through a narrow ravine beside the path, opening now and then into small, slow-water meadows. Farther up, spring-fed clearings and stream crossings break up the steady climb. The trail steepens into switchbacks before reaching Panther Gap, where the trees open onto views south over Kaweah Canyon and Castle Rocks. Panther Gap is a natural shorter turnaround if you do not want the longer climb to Alta Meadow.

At Panther Gap, turn left onto the Alta route. The trail leaves the dense fir shade for a sunny, south-facing slope of chaparral and scattered pines; one large outcrop resembles a bear’s head. It then winds back into red fir and reaches the smaller opening at Mehrten Meadow before the Alta Peak and Alta Meadow fork. This stretch keeps changing its feel, but it is still a sustained climb.

At the fork, take the right-hand branch toward Alta Meadow, not the trail that continues toward Alta Peak. The branch is about 1.7 miles each way. It crosses a creek, rolls gently over a low rise and another stream, then reaches the broad meadow. Stop at the edge and look across the conifer fringe to the Great Western Divide. For a photo, keep a little meadow grass or flowers in the foreground so the trees and ridgeline have a sense of scale; the whole point is the open meadow meeting the mountains.

Start at the Wolverton Picnic Area parking at the end of Wolverton Road; the Alta Peak and Lakes trails share the signed trailhead, with restrooms and picnic tables at the access. This long climb reaches about 9,500 feet, and several stream crossings may be difficult during peak snowmelt. Pets are prohibited on park trails, with service animals allowed. Overnight wilderness trips require an NPS permit.