Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail to Tharp's Rock gully Date Climbed: December 10, 2005
Climbed with DeeDee. We started just a few minutes past 7:00AM from Wolverton. Hiked a leisurely pace. Took a snack break at Panther Gap and then another break at the trail junction of Alta Peak & Alta Meadow trails. Then, we went up Tharp's Rock gully (this is a very broad gully due west of Tharp's Rock itself) and on to the summit. Had to put crampons for the last 30 feet to the summit as there was a hard icy layer beneath the 6" of snow. Summited at noon. Fantastic weather (sunny, clear, cobalt blue skies & not even a breeze). Had lunch below the summit and started down at 12:37PM. Back at Wolverton at 3:40PM.
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: November 24, 2005
The beauty of the Alta Peak trail was indeed something to be thankful for. It was a cool start at about 8:30 a.m. in the forest leaving Wolverton, but the day turned out warm and clear with outstanding views. Shorts and a short sleeve shirt were comfortable even at the summit as the wind was almost nonexistant. Best of all, I was back to the in laws place in Visalia by 3:00 p.m. in time to clean up and enjoy a tasty and replenishing Thanksgiving dinner in good company. I doubt I will be able to top this Thanksgiving Day, but I at least hope to equal it many times over.
Route Climbed: Standard Route from Wolverton TH Date Climbed: October 10, 2005
Gorgeous Fall day. Panoramic view, could see many peaks including Ritter/Banner, Whitney, Black Kaweah and many more. There was a fire in Mineral King. A great place to be on Columbus Day!
Route Climbed: trail Date Climbed: october 6, 2005
Enjoyable hike from wolverton, didn't see anyone from Panther gap up and had the summit to myself for almost an hour. Fantastic views- makes me want to explore the great western divide more. I could also see many of the crest peaks- Whitney, the palisades, Darwin, Goddard, Banner and Ritter and many others. About a 7hr round trip.
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 11th 2005
We did the hike from Wolverine parking lot in about 7 hours for the whole round trip. There was a ceiling during the way up, but when we reached the summit the clouds just started to give way.... Amazing view
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 18, 2004
Wondrous views via the Panther Gap and from top of Alta Peak. A real butt-kicker the final 2 miles (2,000 ft) to reach the summit but well worth it. Took a nice side trip to serene Alta Meadows on the way down (junction right before you start final ascent). Numerous marmots afoot in this meadow! Definitely a highlight as no one else was in the meadow and and a light afternoon shower was blowing across the divide.
Route Climbed: Normal Route from Parking Lot Date Climbed: Oct 16, 1998
Went with three good friends and made for a great time out. Hiked up to 10,000ft and camped there on day one -- continued to the summit on day two and return to the road. Excellent weather.
Route Climbed: Normal Route (via Panther Pass) Date Climbed: Nov 9, 1997
Good climb both times, albeit a little longish for us beginners. Climbing in a single long day from the parking lot, camped at the designated 10,000m spot and returned the next morning. Pushing time a little, with sunset on the decent and a little trouble finding our tent with our Wal-Mart flashlights. Packed up Subway footlong subs instead of bothering with gas and a stove which turned out to be a GREAT idea... Mmm... mayonaise salami and cheese...
Route Climbed: X-country to Red Fir Mdw, trail, Tharps Rock Gully Date Climbed: April 2, 2005
This was quite a strenuous day. Snow was soft -- especially in the afternoon. Used snowshoes and broke trail most of the way. Brought and used crampons a couple of times but should have just stayed with the snowshoes all the way. There were no signs that anyone had gone beyond Panther Gap. Terrain past Panther Gap and before Mehrten Mdw was difficult due to steepness and very soft/deep snow. With all the snow the view from the summit was awesome.
Route Climbed: Alta Peak trail, return via Pear Lake Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2004
Warmup hike for North Guard/Brewer the next day. Clouds were gathering over the Great Western Divide even by 9am, limiting the views. Pear Lake was quite pretty.
Route Climbed: Alta Trail Date Climbed: Nov 14, 2004
Excellent snow cover down to 8000', patchy below that. We camped at 9300' under the South Face of Tharps Rock, bagged the summit in the morning via the standard trail, then glissaded down the gully from Tharps back to our camp. Recommend crampons for the summit blocks, very icy. Snowshoes or skis required for the approach.
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: 9-9-04
First hiking I did since knee surgery on June 17. Hiked in 4 miles to Mehrten Meadow and then up to the summit the next day. Nice views all around this area. Unfortunately even at 8:30 in the morning the thunder clouds were rolling in so I couldn't stay on top for long. This is a nice peak in a great area. Great to get back out there!
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: 31 July 2004
The first time I tried this in March, it smacked me around in a "try these 5 foot deep postholes" kinda way. I returned for revenge. Started hiking at 3pm, summitted at 6:30pm, return to car at 8:30pm. Got lost in Fresno, but eventually made it home. Glad to take one off the "failed to summit" list!
Route Climbed: Trail from Wolverton Date Climbed: July 1990 / September 1998
Summit reached but only on the second trip in 1998. It's a very pretty hike but in the end gets rather exhausting (having to climb approx. 1500m). In the end you have perfect views to the Sierra and - if you are lucky and the smog clears - down to Los Angeles
Route Climbed: The Bob Burd Loop (3rd / 4th class) Date Climbed: 26 Oct 2003
Did the "Bob Burd Loop Trip" from Wolverton, up to Alta and down to Pear Lake via a 4th class chute near the summit and then down some 3rd class slabs to Pear Lake. Total time, trailhead-to-trailhead: 6 hours and 50 minutes. See Bob Burd's summit log entry below for the trip report.
forjan - Dec 12, 2005 6:14 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail to Tharp's Rock gully Date Climbed: December 10, 2005Climbed with DeeDee. We started just a few minutes past 7:00AM from Wolverton. Hiked a leisurely pace. Took a snack break at Panther Gap and then another break at the trail junction of Alta Peak & Alta Meadow trails. Then, we went up Tharp's Rock gully (this is a very broad gully due west of Tharp's Rock itself) and on to the summit. Had to put crampons for the last 30 feet to the summit as there was a hard icy layer beneath the 6" of snow. Summited at noon. Fantastic weather (sunny, clear, cobalt blue skies & not even a breeze). Had lunch below the summit and started down at 12:37PM. Back at Wolverton at 3:40PM.
colinr - Nov 27, 2005 3:34 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: November 24, 2005The beauty of the Alta Peak trail was indeed something to be thankful for. It was a cool start at about 8:30 a.m. in the forest leaving Wolverton, but the day turned out warm and clear with outstanding views. Shorts and a short sleeve shirt were comfortable even at the summit as the wind was almost nonexistant. Best of all, I was back to the in laws place in Visalia by 3:00 p.m. in time to clean up and enjoy a tasty and replenishing Thanksgiving dinner in good company. I doubt I will be able to top this Thanksgiving Day, but I at least hope to equal it many times over.
Hiketothetop - Oct 12, 2005 10:43 am
Route Climbed: Standard Route from Wolverton TH Date Climbed: October 10, 2005Gorgeous Fall day. Panoramic view, could see many peaks including Ritter/Banner, Whitney, Black Kaweah and many more. There was a fire in Mineral King. A great place to be on Columbus Day!
Brian Frederick - Oct 10, 2005 4:58 pm
Route Climbed: trail Date Climbed: october 6, 2005Enjoyable hike from wolverton, didn't see anyone from Panther gap up and had the summit to myself for almost an hour. Fantastic views- makes me want to explore the great western divide more. I could also see many of the crest peaks- Whitney, the palisades, Darwin, Goddard, Banner and Ritter and many others. About a 7hr round trip.
aurora - Oct 5, 2005 8:32 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 11th 2005We did the hike from Wolverine parking lot in about 7 hours for the whole round trip. There was a ceiling during the way up, but when we reached the summit the clouds just started to give way.... Amazing view
Thomas Bahr, San Diego
mparker - Sep 29, 2005 12:41 am
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 18, 2004Wondrous views via the Panther Gap and from top of Alta Peak. A real butt-kicker the final 2 miles (2,000 ft) to reach the summit but well worth it. Took a nice side trip to serene Alta Meadows on the way down (junction right before you start final ascent). Numerous marmots afoot in this meadow! Definitely a highlight as no one else was in the meadow and and a light afternoon shower was blowing across the divide.
bbirtle - Jul 7, 2005 1:29 pm
Route Climbed: Normal Route from Parking Lot Date Climbed: Oct 16, 1998Went with three good friends and made for a great time out. Hiked up to 10,000ft and camped there on day one -- continued to the summit on day two and return to the road. Excellent weather.
bbirtle - Jul 7, 2005 1:07 pm
Route Climbed: Normal Route (via Panther Pass) Date Climbed: Nov 9, 1997Good climb both times, albeit a little longish for us beginners. Climbing in a single long day from the parking lot, camped at the designated 10,000m spot and returned the next morning. Pushing time a little, with sunset on the decent and a little trouble finding our tent with our Wal-Mart flashlights. Packed up Subway footlong subs instead of bothering with gas and a stove which turned out to be a GREAT idea... Mmm... mayonaise salami and cheese...
Rick Kent - Apr 4, 2005 12:46 pm
Route Climbed: X-country to Red Fir Mdw, trail, Tharps Rock Gully Date Climbed: April 2, 2005This was quite a strenuous day. Snow was soft -- especially in the afternoon. Used snowshoes and broke trail most of the way. Brought and used crampons a couple of times but should have just stayed with the snowshoes all the way. There were no signs that anyone had gone beyond Panther Gap. Terrain past Panther Gap and before Mehrten Mdw was difficult due to steepness and very soft/deep snow. With all the snow the view from the summit was awesome.
onandupwards - Feb 21, 2005 1:18 pm
Route Climbed: alta peak trail Date Climbed: August 2000running ascent for the final 500', that is until I came upon the spire
Matthew Holliman - Nov 17, 2004 11:24 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak trail, return via Pear Lake Date Climbed: Aug 13, 2004Warmup hike for North Guard/Brewer the next day. Clouds were gathering over the Great Western Divide even by 9am, limiting the views. Pear Lake was quite pretty.
ncfitton - Nov 16, 2004 12:08 am
Route Climbed: Alta Trail Date Climbed: Nov 14, 2004Excellent snow cover down to 8000', patchy below that. We camped at 9300' under the South Face of Tharps Rock, bagged the summit in the morning via the standard trail, then glissaded down the gully from Tharps back to our camp. Recommend crampons for the summit blocks, very icy. Snowshoes or skis required for the approach.
kovarpa - Nov 2, 2004 12:56 am
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: October 31, 2004This year climbed with Vendulka. Great day, no people, clouds below us.
wmolland - Sep 10, 2004 11:27 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: 9-9-04First hiking I did since knee surgery on June 17. Hiked in 4 miles to Mehrten Meadow and then up to the summit the next day. Nice views all around this area. Unfortunately even at 8:30 in the morning the thunder clouds were rolling in so I couldn't stay on top for long. This is a nice peak in a great area. Great to get back out there!
rgreene - Aug 1, 2004 4:45 am
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: 31 July 2004The first time I tried this in March, it smacked me around in a "try these 5 foot deep postholes" kinda way. I returned for revenge. Started hiking at 3pm, summitted at 6:30pm, return to car at 8:30pm. Got lost in Fresno, but eventually made it home. Glad to take one off the "failed to summit" list!
birdhead - Feb 4, 2004 4:32 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: September 2002A great hike as an afternoon sidetrip after backpacking at Bearpaw Meadow.
Day Hiker - Dec 27, 2003 11:23 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: 01 September 2002Hello.
kovarpa - Dec 23, 2003 12:05 pm
Route Climbed: Alta Peak Trail Date Climbed: December 21, 2003Have not met a single person - just loved it!
Good snow from Alta Meadow all the way up.
Fantastic weather - sunny and clouds lingering in the valleys below...
Gangolf Haub - Nov 17, 2003 8:22 am
Route Climbed: Trail from Wolverton Date Climbed: July 1990 / September 1998Summit reached but only on the second trip in 1998. It's a very pretty hike but in the end gets rather exhausting (having to climb approx. 1500m). In the end you have perfect views to the Sierra and - if you are lucky and the smog clears - down to Los Angeles
Dave Daly - Oct 28, 2003 11:31 pm
Route Climbed: The Bob Burd Loop (3rd / 4th class) Date Climbed: 26 Oct 2003Did the "Bob Burd Loop Trip" from Wolverton, up to Alta and down to Pear Lake via a 4th class chute near the summit and then down some 3rd class slabs to Pear Lake. Total time, trailhead-to-trailhead: 6 hours and 50 minutes. See Bob Burd's summit log entry below for the trip report.