Kearsarge Pass

Difficulty:

Location: Kings Canyon National Park, Inyo National Forest
Trailhead: Onion Valley Trailhead
Elevation: Trailhead 9,200 ft Kearsarge Pass 11,823 ft
Trail Length: 9.6 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 2,623 ft
Maps: USGS: Kearsarge Peak, John Muir Wilderness & Sequoia/Kings Canyon Parks topo map.
Pictures: Robinson Lake, Golden Trout Lakes, Kearsarge Pass, Rae Lakes, Sixty Lakes, Charlotte Lake, Dragon Lake, Dollar Lake, Kearsarge Lakes, Bullfrog Lake

Closest Town: Independence

Forest Information:
Mt. Whitney Ranger District
P.O. Box 8, Lone Pine, CA 93545
760-876-6200

Directions:
The Onion Valley Trailhead is 15 miles west of Independence. Turn west on Onion Valley road (called Market Street in town) at the traffic light in downtown Independence. The road is closed during the winter from December to sometime in April. The trail begins at the trailhead sign on the north end of the parking lot.

There is not a lot of water on this trail so always carry extra. Filtering the water is also a must with Giardia is a serious problem in the area. Also hang your food high and away from your campsite to reduce any problems with bears.

Lodging at Independence

Dining at Independence