Kearsarge Pass Out and Back

Dogs Leashed

Features Commonly Backpacked · Fishing · Geological Significance · Lake · River/Creek · Swimming · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

This is a strenuous climb to an 11,845-foot pass. The Onion Valley Trailhead is already at 9,200 feet, however, so that makes Kearsarge Pass relatively easy among other Eastside Sierra trails. Thus it is very popular for day hiking and backpacking, and being in the Inyo National Forest means that dogs are allowed (on leash or under close control). The top of Kearsarge Pass marks the boundary with Kings Canyon National Park, where the land use regulations change and dogs are not permitted.

Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips. Day hikes and runs do not require a permit. Permits can be reserved online at Recreation.gov. Dogs are not allowed west of Kearsarge Pass (in Kings Canyon National Park).

From Onion Valley trailhead and campground, the Kearsarge Pass Trail begins a slow switchbacking climb toward Gilbert Lake (10,400 feet) and Flower Lake. From these lakes, views of the 13,640-foot University Peak dominate the southern skyline while Mount Gould and the talus slopes leading toward Kearsarge Pass are evident to the north and west. After passing Gilbert Lake, the Matlock Lake Trail will soon be visible. A side trip up to Matlock Lakes is a great addition if time allows, and very nice campsites are tucked away by these lakes.

More campsites are located near Gilbert Lake and Flower Lake, just a bit farther up the trail. Above Flower Lake the terrain becomes much steeper, making campsites and water hard to come by. The trail continues to switchback, but the grade eases off considerably as Heart Lake and Kearsarge Pass come into view. At this point, the trail carves through a sea of granite talus on the lower slope of Mount Gould.

Once at the pass, you'll find your reward of spectacular westward views: Kearsarge Pinnacles, Kearsarge Lakes, Bullfrog Lake, and the high granite peaks of the King-Kern Divide. On a clear day there are sweeping views back over Owens Valley and the Inyo Mountains beyond. - Description by Andy Pigg, Outdoor Project

The trail ascends through a beautiful grove of foxtail pines, which are related to the bristlecone pines but are mostly confined to California in the southern Sierra and toward the Oregon border.