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Alta Trail to Panther Gap

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#giant-forest#ridge#quiet#access-route
Distance
6 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

The Alta Trail climbs from Wolverton to Panther Gap's ridge camp in three dry, steady miles — the quiet backdoor to Alta Peak and the Tablelands. A short overnight for stargazers, or the launch point for a summit day.

Highlights

  • Panther Gap's views across the Kaweah canyon
  • Alta Peak's 11,204-foot summit as a day-trip option
  • The Tablelands' granite country beyond
  • Fewer people than the neighboring Lakes Trail

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Alta Trailhead (Wolverton) · parking: Wolverton ski area parking off the Generals Highway
  • Water: None reliable at Panther Gap — carry all water.
  • Resupply: None; Lodgepole store is minutes away.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Alta/Wolverton entry applies during quota season. A permit for the Alta Trail is not valid for the High Sierra Trail segment beyond Seven Mile Hill.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Panther Gap has no water and sits high on the exposed ridge — plan on a stove, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Usually clear by early July.

Heat: Warm on the exposed climb.

Bugs: Minimal.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • There is no water at Panther Gap — carry everything
  • An Alta Trail permit is not valid for the High Sierra Trail beyond Seven Mile Hill
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Lodgepole and Giant Forest. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Alta Trail description, first allowed campsite at Panther Gap (3 miles, no water), and the permit restriction on the High Sierra Trail segment.
  3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire rules.
  4. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.