01
Best big-view climb
Shirley Peak via Alta Sierra Ski Resort
Shirley Meadow • High-Elevation Summit Hike • Scenic Day Challenge
A steady climb from the Alta Sierra Ski Resort up to Shirley Peak, with wide-open views over Lake Isabella and the Greenhorn range.
In summer and fall, the ski slopes double as a straightforward route to one of the best viewpoints above Alta Sierra. You’ll hike service roads and use trails that wind through mixed conifer forest before breaking out onto open slopes near the top. On clear days you can trace the Kern River valley below, so bring a camera, sun protection, and a wind layer for the exposed summit stretch.
02
Best family loop
Unal Trail
Greenhorn Summit • Gentle Forest Loop • Best For Families And Casual Hikers
A mellow loop through cool pines at Greenhorn Summit, offering easy grades, fresh air, and quick payoff just a short drive above Alta Sierra.
Unal Trail is a local go-to when you want a real mountain walk without committing to a long day. The path meanders through shaded forest with occasional openings where you can peek out toward the Kern River valley and surrounding peaks. It’s a good choice for mixed groups, with enough altitude to feel like a getaway but a well-graded tread that still works for kids and newer hikers.
03
Quick historic wander
Coso Mine Loop Trail
Above Alta Sierra • Short Historic Mining Loop • Quick Leg-Stretcher
A compact loop that blends Sierra forest walking with relics from the area’s mining past and surprisingly big views for the effort.
This short circuit makes a nice add-on when you’re already up in the Alta Sierra area and want to stretch your legs. The trail threads through pine stands, then skirts old mining sites where you can spot weathered structures and tailings mounds tucked into the hillsides. Allow a little extra time to explore the side paths and overlooks, but watch your footing around historic remains and unstable slopes.
04
Shadiest forest ramble
Just Outstanding Trail
West Of Shirley Meadow • Singletrack Forest Trail • Escape-The-Crowds Pick
A winding singletrack through tall pines and granite outcrops, known among locals for its quiet feel and classic Sierra scenery.
Primarily famous with mountain bikers, Just Outstanding also makes a rewarding out-and-back hike for those who like narrower trails and a bit of solitude. You’ll move in and out of deep forest, cross small drainages, and pass occasional rock outcrops with filtered views across the Greenhorns. Keep an ear out for bikes, step aside where sightlines are short, and you’ll enjoy one of the more immersive forest walks near Alta Sierra.
05
Classic river canyon hike
Whiskey Flat Trail
Kernville • Riverside Canyon Trail • All-Day Adventure
A historic route along the Kern River above Kernville, with rolling terrain, river access points, and big canyon walls framing the hike.
Whiskey Flat starts right in Kernville and quickly feels wilder as it follows the river upstream past boulders, brushy hillsides, and pockets of shade. You can turn around whenever you like, making this a flexible choice for anything from a short stroll by the water to a full-day push. It can be hot and exposed in midsummer, so locals tend to hit it early, pack extra water, and save the deeper side pools for a post-hike cool-down.