Location: Onion Valley, Independence, CA
Distance: 10 miles out and back (Kearsarge Pass) Time: 4-6 Hours
Difficulty: Strenuous
Elevation Gain: 2,500 feet
Season: May-October
Foot Traffic: Moderate to Heavy
Date Hiked: August 12, 2019
Overview
Kearsarge Pass is one of three trail options departing from the Onion Valley Campground area, a short drive from the small city of Independence along highway 395. Of the three trail options in Onion Valley, Kearsarge Pass is probably the best option and undoubtedly the most popular. Although longer in length, at nearly 10 miles round trip to the pass and back, the grade is quite a bit less steeper than the other nearby trails and the trail itself is incredibly well maintained and easy to follow (unlike the Golden Trout Lakes/Dragon Peaks Lakes trail). Along the way hikers will pass by five lakes (Little Pothole Lake, Gilbert Lake, Flower Lake, Heart Lake and Big Pothole Lake), with Gilbert Lake and Flower Lake being great spots to actually rest along the lake.
Although the trail isn’t necessarily crazy steep, it is relentless with very few flat areas, while continuously climbing. There is virtually no shade or cover, especially along the second half of the trail. Once at the pass, hikers are greeted with exceptional views looking out into Kings Canyon National Park and all the endless areas waiting to be explored on a multi-day backpacking trip.
For those wishing to go a little further, a short but steep 1 mile trail descends down to the Kearsarge Lakes, where hikers can explore the lakes before heading back up the trail to Kearsarge Pass. Kearsarge Pass is a super popular trail. However, lots of solitude can still be found along it, especially for those getting an earlier start. Additionally, for those not wanting to make the 10 mile round trip trek to the pass, a 5-6 mile round trip hike to Gilbert of Flower Lake also makes for a great outing.
Trail Description and My Story
My wife and I had arrived in the town of Lone Pine the night before and had set up camp in Alabama Hills. After waking up early, we made the 30 minute drive towards the town of Independence and then up the pass to Onion Valley and the start of the Kearsarge Pass Trail. This was a hike that we had never done before but had always talked about, so we were very excited to say the least. This was also somewhat of a warm up hike for us on what would be a busy next few days.
Starting the Kearsarge Pass Trail
The day was looking as if it was going to be a pretty special one. Not a single cloud was in the sky and the Onion Valley area was surprisingly quiet on this early morning. My wife and I started our hike by heading to the back of the parking area and gently began climbing alongside Independence Creek. At less than a half mile into the hike we passed an unmarked trail that descended and went right. This is the trail for the Golden Trout Lakes and Dragon Peak Lakes. Continuing right at this junction, we stayed on the Kearsarge Pass trail and continued along a steady incline. The first few miles of the hike are very pleasant but the true beauty of the trail doesn’t really come in until reaching the first lake.
We continued along the relaxing Independence Creek as we started to hit one switch back after the next until Little Pothole Lake came into view off to the left of the trail. We were now about 1.5 miles into the hike. Switchbacks resumed as did the climbing until the trail flattened at the shores of Gilbert Lake at around the 2.5 mile mark. The views of the surrounding mountains were exceptional here and the large meadow offered a relaxing resting point. University Peak afforded a dramatic and awe inspiring backdrop to Gilbert Lake. Gilbert Lake is a popular destination in and of itself for day hikers and often gets a bit crowded as the day continues on but we were lucky to have it to ourselves.
Gilbert Lake to Kearsarge Pass
In a little less than a half mile we had arrived at a signed junction for Matlock Lake. Continuing along the Kearsarge Pass trail for .1 mile before arriving at Flower Lake, we had now hiked nearly 3 miles from the parking area.
Flower Lake is a great picnic and resting spot as well.
The trail now became more rocky, yet continued its steady climb. My wife and I were having a great morning and while the trail was offering a good workout it by no means felt overwhelming or too hard.
There is very little shade along this section as the climbing intensifies. Switchbacks continue as Heart Lake came into view just below us at more than 3.5 miles into the trail now.
While Heart Lake is pretty, it’s small and there is not an obvious trail to reach it’s base, so we kept moving.
The trail twisted and turned and began to really open up as the final section to the summit of Kearsarge Pass now awaited.
As the switchbacks came to an end, Big Pothole Lake now sat in a stunning bowl below us.
We were now 4 miles into the trail. This was a gorgeous section of the hike and although the final push was a bit tiring, constantly looking down at the beautiful Pothole Lake and surrounding jagged peaks brought some reprieve.
Arriving at Kearsarge Pass
Before we knew it Kearsarge Pass had come into view and a sign marking the 11,823 crest of the pass greeted us.
We had now gone nearly 5 miles and the reward was more than worth the effort. The gorgeous Kearsarge Lakes beckoned below for us to extend the trip (1 mile each way to the lakes). Views into Kings Canyon National Park were phenomenal from the summit with the Kearsarge Pinnacles and Bullfrog Lake standing out in the distance.
For those with backpacking permits, some of the best areas of the sierra lie ahead. Rae Lakes among many other areas beg to be explored off in the distance. My wife and I sat back and just took in the vistas among the many outcroppings offering areas to sit and relax. This is truly a stunning spot. We took our time and completely soaked it in, while immensely just enjoying the moment. The Kearsarge Pass Trail exceeded both of our expectations and the views from the end of the trail blew me away. We began our hike down the trail feeling incredibly appreciative for this day and experience.
Getting to the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead
Onion Valley Rd, Independence, CA 93526
From the town of Independence depart the 395 and turn left (if heading north on the 395) onto Onion Valley Road. Drive 13 miles up the winding road until the road dead ends at the parking area for the Kearsarge Pass trail and the Onion Valley campground.
Notes, Questions and Thoughts
Is this a fee area?
- No, there are no fees to park at or to hike the Kearsarge Pass trail.
Are dogs allowed on the Kearsarge Pass Trail?
- Yes, dogs are allowed on the Kearsarge Pass trail but must be kept under control at all times. Remember that this is a rather long trail and typically speaking, bringing a dog probably isn’t the best option. Dogs are not allowed in the areas past the Kearsarge Pass summit. Please pick up after your dog and pack out all animal waste.
Are there restrooms at the trailhead?
- Yes, a vault toilet is located at the trailhead.
What campgrounds are nearby?
- The Onion Valley campground is located directly adjacent to the start of the Kearsarge Pass trailhead. This is a great camping option when planning to hike Kearsarge Pass but the campground is often full.
Is overnight camping allowed?
- Yes, overnight camping is allowed but permits must be reserved up to 6 months in advance at www.recreation.gov. From May 1-Nov 1 overnight use is limited to 60 people per day.
Bear resistant food storage lockers are available at the trailhead. All food, trash and scented items must be stored in the storage lockers or in bear proof containers. Please help protect our bears by following these guidelines.
Please recreate responsibly. Respect hikers, anglers, and all visitors and wildlife. Help make everyone’s experience better by keeping the nature experience as authentic as possible. Leave no trace and pack out everything that you pack in. Please remember that we are visitors and stewards of these special places. Help keep these places as wild as possible while not diminishing the outdoor experience of others.
Be sure to check the trail conditions! The trail to Kearsarge Pass from Onion Valley is only accessible from May-October. This is dependent on the snow pack from that year and weather conditions.
