Starting with the road, past the campground is does indeed turn into rough gravel--mostly washboard with navigable potholes but nothing a wary driver in a sedan can't handle. Remember when you get to the "T" intersection with the signboard ahead of you, turn right. Just keep driving and you know you're at the trailhead when the road turns back into pavement (plus the numerous signs).
The first part of the trail up to Rachel had numerous water crossings that is made so much easier with waterproof boots. I scanned several of the crossings for ways to hop across but in the end it was just easier to trod through them. Just be aware there are several of these until you start the climb to Rachel.
As for the trail up to Rachel (and up to Alta), it has got to be one of the rockiest, rootiest, and loosy-goosyiest trails I've been on. See photo #4 for an example of what you'll be facing. A lot of the trail is up through a stream bed (some wet). Thing is, tons of people hike this trail so of course it's passable with some care, but I won't call this a beginner's trail in the least and I really recommend decent hiking footwear with ankle support. And take it slow, especially on the way down. Certain sections are pretty steep with big steps up/down so one foot caught in a root and you could take quite a tumble.
Beyond Rachel it's not quite as rooty, but there's a lot of slippery loose rock. Coming down from Alta I probably slipped half a dozen times. Lila is a really pretty little lake and if you're doing both Lila and Alta, Lila isn't too much of a tangent--almost exactly one mile round-trip according to my GPS. From the Alta/Lila fork with the cairn it's about 2 miles round-trip to Alta and back. I'd call Alta Mountain a strenuous hike--pretty steep and tons of loose rock. I got to the top of the ridge so pleased with myself only to discover that the actual mountain was still about half a mile away. You will be scrambling on this trail so keep your hands free. You know you're at the terminus when you see a big pile of rocks. It's so rewarding though--the day was clear, offering 360 degree views of the entire area. Photo #3 is just one of those views. Making it to the top is an achievement that absolutely pays off.
Finally, I had lunch on the shores of Rachel Lake on the way up and saw one bug about 10' away. I don't know if they all decided to take Monday off but I was very appreciative of that.
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