Alta Trail
The Alta Trail is a route in Phoenix’s South Mountain Preserve that climbs atop a ridge and follows the ridgeline down to the base and back. It’s a beautiful trail that, despite the scenery, doesn’t get as busy as many of the other trails in the preserve. It’s a long trek, but you can shorten it to your liking and still have an enjoyable hike. Expect light traffic on this hike.
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Route Description for Alta Trail
The Alta Trail in South Mountain Preserve is a beautiful adventure that follows a ridge with excellent views of the unique landscape of the preserve below. This trail is one of the lesser-known ones in the preserve, so you can sometimes score some solitude if you’re lucky. If the full distance is too long for you, you can hike part of the trail and still have a great experience.
This is a longer hike with considerable elevation gain at the start, so prepare accordingly by packing more water than you think you’ll need, wearing sun protection, and wearing good boots. Poles could be helpful for the main climb up to the ridge.
From the trailhead, the route curves to your left and begins its ascent up to the ridge. This is the most tiring part of the trail, so it’s nice that you get it over with first. Atop the ridge, head to your left and gently descend as you admire the views. The route ends at a T-junction at the bottom of the ridge. From here, retrace your steps to the trailhead.
Getting to the Alta Trail Trailhead
The trailhead for the Alta Trail is on E San Juan Road.
Route Information
Alta Trail Elevation Graph
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