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Hiking Near Alta, California

Regional Classics Icon

Regional Classics

Discover the must-do hikes in the area, handpicked and curated by local experts who know the trails best. These routes are beloved for good reason, offering standout scenery, rewarding terrain, and detailed descriptions with tips that tell you exactly what to expect. Whether you are visiting for the first time or are a local doing them on repeat, they offer a reliable and memorable hiking experience.

Hole in the Ground Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hole in the Ground Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
15.72 mi
+2,175 ft
PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Lake
moderate
37.42 mi
+5,788 ft
Castle Peak Summit

Classic Hike Route

Castle Peak Summit

Views
strenuous
5.71 mi
+1,996 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
62.44 mi
+10,993 ft
Shirley Canyon Trail

Classic Hike Route

Shirley Canyon Trail

Fall Colors
strenuous
5.57 mi
+1,933 ft
Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Omega Diggins Overlook Hike

Hike Route

Omega Diggins Overlook Hike

Views
easy
0.3 mi
+78 ft
Orene Weatherall Trail via Cascade Canal

Hike Route

Orene Weatherall Trail via Cascade Canal

Less Crowded
easy
2.74 mi
+476 ft
Emerald Pools

Hike Route

Emerald Pools

Waterfall
easy
0.29 mi
+32 ft
Illinois Crossing Trail + Primitive Camp

Hike Route

Illinois Crossing Trail + Primitive Camp

easy
1.17 mi
+83 ft
Nisenan Loop - Deer Creek Environs Trail

Hike Route

Nisenan Loop - Deer Creek Environs Trail

Views
moderate
1.66 mi
+369 ft
Alan Thiesen Trail

Hike Route

Alan Thiesen Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
1.06 mi
+140 ft
Logo

Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Five Lakes Basin

Hike Route

Five Lakes Basin

Fall Colors
moderate
11.01 mi
+1,577 ft
Auburn Overlook Park Western States-Quarry Trails Loop

Hike Route

Auburn Overlook Park Western States-Quarry Trails Loop

Less Crowded
strenuous
19.82 mi
+3,699 ft
Hole in the Ground Loop

Classic Hike Route

Hole in the Ground Loop

Commonly Backpacked
moderate
15.72 mi
+2,175 ft
Pacific Crest Trail: California Section L - Donner Summit to Highway 49

Hike Route

Pacific Crest Trail: California Section L - Donner Summit to Highway 49

Lake
extreme
59.41 mi
+16,500 ft
PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Interstate 80 to Highway 49 (near Sierra City)

Lake
moderate
37.42 mi
+5,788 ft
PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Classic Hike Route

PCT: Echo Lake to Interstate 80 (Donner Summit)

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
62.44 mi
+10,993 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Stevens Trail

Hike Route

Stevens Trail

Family Friendly
moderate
7.56 mi
+2,521 ft
Hoyt Trail

Hike Route

Hoyt Trail

Less Crowded
moderate
8.32 mi
+3,162 ft
Penner Lake

Hike Route

Penner Lake

Family Friendly
moderate
6.24 mi
+750 ft
Loch Leven Trail

Hike Route

Loch Leven Trail

Lake
strenuous
7.83 mi
+1,557 ft
Foresthill Divide Loop

Hike Route

Foresthill Divide Loop

moderate
9.62 mi
+1,610 ft
Shingle Falls

Hike Route

Shingle Falls

River/Creek
moderate
5.13 mi
+546 ft