Alta Vista is a city in Wabaunsee County, Kansas, United States.

[5] Alta Vista is derived from the Spanish word for "high view", and the city was so named from its lofty elevation.

[6][7] In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Alta Vista to Herington.

[9] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.36 square miles (0.93 km2), all land.

[10] The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters.

[11] Alta Vista is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The 2020 United States census counted 409 people, 182 households, and 116 families in Alta Vista.

30.8% of households consisted of individuals and 15.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The racial makeup of the city was 97.29% White, 1.36% Native American, 0.68% Pacific Islander, and 0.68% from two or more races.

The community is served by Morris County USD 417 public school district.

Alta Vista is located on UP's Golden State main line to El Paso, Texas.

The line was originally built by the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railroad.