Alta

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Alta is a South Mountain technical gem. It is a favorite for hikers and one of the legendary technical trails for mountain bikers. At 4.5 miles coast to coast Alta gives you a gorgeous sufferable climb for 1.5 miles — followed by a mile of climbing reprieve with challenging exposed descending. Add another half mile plus of climbing and you are at the saddle ready to descend into Alta tech oblivion.

If the tech up to this point didn’t buck you right off your bike, there are a few moves down this section that surely will. Switchbacks, exposure, loose, tight, cactus, and did I say steep?

Do not attempt Alta unless you are a seasoned skilled rider that is bored with National, Holbert and Kiwanis. The “easier” climb is East to West, the gnarly of all gnarly climbs is teh opposite. Make sure you have your SPOT messenger, it you ride solo. Better to bring a buddy that is strong enough to carry you down the mountain when you endo.

Access to Alta is limited with the closure of the San Juan Road. Hikers and bikers can enjoy a stroll along Bajada south of San Juan Road to get to the Alta Trailhead. Enjoy, be safe. Good Luck!

I hooked up a nice long loop incorporating Alta. See my ride at Everytrail.