Backpacking the High Sierra/Alta Trail in Sequoia National Park

If you haven't ventured off the main trails in Sequoia National Park and stuck to the tourist attractions like the Big Trees trail and Moro Rock then maybe this will inspire you to do some of your own research into the many trails that take you up into the mountains where you can camp or hang out for the day by a lake. I hiked up into the mountains, up to about 9500ft of elevation and got to see some beautiful views and spend the night next to a meadow of wild flowers.

Camping overnight on these trails requires a wilderness permit, more for the sake of someone knowing where to look for you in the event you go missing. Keep this in mind when planning your trip so you give the required two weeks time for them to process your application during peak season. In the off season its more old school and you fill out a paper permit and drop it in a permit box at any of the stations set up around the park.

We created our own hiking loop rather than do an out and back trail. We started at the High Sierra trail and then hopped on to the Alta Trail so we could end the day in the meadow at the bottom of the peak summit to camp and then have a different view on the way down.

The hike takes about 4-5 hours to the meadow. It is just under 3000 feet of elevation gain and just under 10 miles.

Tip: Being a pro at packing is key to bearing the load for long distances. Food and water were split between us as well as sleeping materials. Our packs were pretty even in weight so no one was carrying the majority of the load. Only pack the necessities. We had dehydrated food to same some storage space and only brought the minimum spare clothing and clothing for warmth at night.

On the trail we stopped at Mehrten Creek where you do have the option to camp there and they provide a bear locker for your food. We spent about two hours enjoying the shade and dipping our feet in the cool water in the dead heat of the afternoon. We had hiked more than half way and decided to enjoy the views from this area for awhile. It is way cooler in the mountains but the sun is still out and shining. Make sure to rest in some shade and give yourself a break.

This trail does offer expansive views most of the way up. You can watch yourself become level with the peaks that once towered over you at the start of the hike. When we walked down Alta Trail the next day we were happy with our choice in direction of how we hiked. Alta Trail is completely in the woods and you don't come out over the pass until you hit the last few miles and the first eight miles are a straight elevation gain of 4000ft of elevation.

Tip: Research your trails so you know what you're in for and make sure it is one you would like. We got lucky on choosing which way to loop around. Also research the trail conditions and where you might think of stopping to camp. Some places are set up to help you and others, like where we ended up camping, are just off in the woods on a flat clearing.

My friend and I tend to be faster when it comes to walking and hiking so e got to our destinations under the approximated time. Remember to go at your own pace especially if you're going further than a dozen miles in one day.

We set up camp and then laid down to stretch and relax before doing anything else. Remember to give your body some love and rest after carrying all your supplies up an incline. The pack has to go back on tomorrow regardless of how you feel.

Tip: This is an area where wild animals live. Be respectful and smart.

We came across a baby bear 100 or so yards away while laying in our tent. We missed the mother while relaxing, and never heard her go by. The baby was playing in the woods which caught our attention. They didn't bother us and as long as you respect the woods you'll be fine.

We came across a few really friendly deer, very curious about us. At night have a whistle, weapon, and headlight with you if you leave for the bathroom so you are safe and prepared.

The mountains cooled off and we had a beautiful night under the shade of some tall trees. We set back out in the morning to venture down before the heat of the day hit the lower elevation too much.

Like I said the Alta Trail on the way day had us masked in among the thick trees, which was gorgeous to see all the greenery, but left us with no views. The best part about going down the Alta Trail is that it spits you out in the Congress Trail where hundreds of giant Sequoia trees live. We used less energy and were not on a time crunch when we got to the bottom which allowed us to explore freely.

Their size is most impressive and truly unimaginable until you stand right up next to one. The Congress Trail leads back to the Village area where you can find the Sherman Tree and the Big Tree Trail, and museum but this area we walked through is so condensly filled with Sequoias it beat out the other areas.

There are a handful of directions you can walk around this area. We took the most direct walk back to Crescent Meadow which is where a handful of long distance hikes start. There is a parking lot, picnic tables, and bathrooms available at this trailhead. The trailheads lie right next to Crescent Meadow which is an expansive area of greenery surrounded by Sequoias.

When you hit the trails at certain times of day will give you beautiful lighting within the park. There is never a bad time to be hiking or exploring, but when the sun is setting or rising it brings a special ambiance to the forest especially if you find you have the trail to yourself.

Tip: Lots of water. We carried a life straw with us to drink out of the streams if needed. If you are going overnight or for longer have a plan. Even if you are planning to do a long one in one day, make sure you are prepared in the event of an emergency.

Before we started our giant trek to the mountains we stopped at the Big Trees Trail a little after sunrise to allow for the sun to get high enough about the mountains to hit the trees and light up the meadow. This is a great idea if you don't want to go when it is crowded. We were able to walk around alone without anyone else disturbing our adventure.

It is quite peaceful in the morning if you get a chance to wake up and arrive before the crowds come. You can get pictures from across the meadow without people in your shot and won't be disturbed by having to walk around anyone.

If you are looking for other fun spots to hit that don't involve too much effort after hiking long distances all weekend head down to Hospital Rock. There are picnic tables and bathrooms set up here which is great for relaxing. The best part is there is a trail off to the right of the Hospital Rock lookout that allows you access to the river. This is a great swimming hole and a place to cool off after a long day.

We camped here the first night we arrived and were able to find a spot before sunset and make our way back with all our supplies. Warning this area is covered in burs. My leggings were not worn after this for the rest of the trip since there were too may to pick off.

At night we were able to skinny dip having the area to ourselves and the best part is the river rocks are heated all day long in the summer sun, that once you hop out of the cool water, the rocks will heat you up and dry you off. It was a really special experience to find a little pool to ourselves and relax. This area get flooded during the summer months with families using this as their version of a beach. Be prepared for crowds. You can explore further down the river at your own risk of climbing all the rocks and possibly crossing the water.

This national park is so much fun to explore and there are always new hikes to find. Get off the main road and go deep in the woods! There will be no regret in exploring the unknown.