Trail Overview
Branching off Henness Pass Road, Forest Service Road 293-004-01 (Mt. Alta Spur) operates as a straightforward out-and-back dirt spur poking into the Tahoe National Forest. The route carves a dusty, single-lane track through an active, heavily managed timber environment defined by towering remnant pines, cleared shoulders, and the striking visual scars of recent logging efforts. Holding an easy level 1 difficulty rating, the trail gradually slopes downhill before arriving at a distinct dead-end turnaround where the public forest meets private property. Very close to the start of the spur, around the 0.1-mile mark, travelers can snag a convenient dispersed campsite large enough to accommodate two vehicles, offering a quiet, shaded footprint just off the main road.
Difficulty
Earning a level 1 rating, this logging spur offers an incredibly smooth, bump-free cruise suitable for nearly any vehicle. The roadbed is composed of hard-packed, dusty dirt that has been heavily bladed for commercial equipment, resulting in a flat, even surface devoid of deep ruts or technical rocks. While the route trends steadily downhill, the grade is extremely mild and poses no traction issues. Thanks to the recent forestry activity, the shoulders have been cleared wide, meaning drivers will not have to worry about encroaching brush or scratching paint. The terminal end of the trail provides a sufficiently wide clearing to easily pivot and head back up the hill without needing to reverse long distances.
Offroad