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A steep trail through the mountains complete with plenty of loose rock and Sonoran Desert flora.


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Map Key

4.7

Miles

7.6

KM

Point to Point

2,415' 736 m

High

1,345' 410 m

Low

1,085' 331 m

Up

1,293' 394 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (5°)

37%

Max Grade (20°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Views

The entrance gates for trailheads at South Mountain Park are open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. If you park your car at a trailhead before 7 p.m, you're welcome to use the park until the trails close at 11 p.m.

If you're planning on using this trail any time other than the first weekend of the month, be sure to park in the allocated area just east of the gate on San Juan Road (marked on the map).

Description

If you're looking for a real workout, the Alta Trail is just the ticket. Situated in an area of South Mountain that's rife with loose dirt and cobble-sized rocks, this trail will not only test your fitness but also your balance and mental fortitude. To put it plainly, this is certainly not an easy trail to hike. However, the reward for reaching the high point is staggering, as it offers hikers fantastic views of the interior of South Mountain Park to the south and equally gorgeous views of Phoenix and the Valley of the Sun to the north.

While on trail, keep your eyes peeled for mountain bikers coming down the mountain. While it's not incredibly popular to bike on, mountain bikers still use this trail, so it's worth paying attention.

Flora & Fauna

This trail hosts a number of different flora typical of the Sonoran Desert. While on trail, keep your eyes peeled for saguaro, barrel cactus, and juniper.

Contacts

Shared By:

Hunter R

Trail Ratings

  4.6 from 5 votes

#7382

Overall
  4.6 from 5 votes
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Trail Rankings

#196

in Arizona

#7,382

Overall
12 Views Last Month
3,004 Since Dec 1, 2016
Intermediate/Difficult Intermediate/Difficult

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Photos

A southwest looking view  of the highest point on the Alta Trail.
Jan 2, 2017 near Laveen, AZ

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Check-Ins

Dec 1, 2019
Britt Montemayor
5.7mi — 2h 45m
Jan 1, 2019
Rock On
Nov 6, 2016
Jennifer Honn
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