Dale Matson
About 7 miles from
Onion Valley To Bullfrog Lake
About 2,500’ Of
Altitude Gain To Kearsarge Pass (11,709’)
Kearsarge Basin reminds me a bit of Humphrey’s Basin. They
both have water much of the way on the civilized climbs to their respective
passes. Each climb includes several lakes. For those who want a more leisurely
pace to Kearsarge Basin, there are camping places at these lakes. I say
“civilized” when compared to say, Taboose Pass. They are both “Trans Sierra” hikes
that follow eastward flowing creeks. In this case the trail follows
Independence Creek.
Kearsarge pass was named after a silver mine and a Union
ship that sank the Confederate ship the Alabama. That is how the Alabama Hills
(A Confederate Ship) got the name. The pass is a favorite of folks who are
resupplying others on the John Muir Trail (JMT) and PCT. It is also a good way
to get to the Rae Lakes Loop instead of coming east from Road’s End in Cedar
Grove. Those who want to do a trans Sierra hike in one day go from Onion Valley
to Road’s End in Kings Canyon Park. Sometimes two groups will head out. One
will come from Road’s End and the other from Onion Valley. They will meet along
the way, switch car keys and drive out at the other end.
This is the most popular pass over the Sierras with hikers
and backpackers and one where you might see the endangered Sierra Nevada
Bighorn Sheep from the Mt. Baxter herd unit. The most convenient wilderness
permit station for multi day hikes is in Lone Pine. Make certain you resupply with filtered/purified
water by Flower Lake. Heart and Pothole Lakes are too far below the trail to be
practical sources.
When you reach Kearsarge Pass, the view will be both
impressive and expansive. As you face west, Mt. Gould will be on your immediate
right. You will be able to see the Kearsarge Pinnacles towering above Kearsarge
Lakes. Ansel Adams has a photograph including both. Further west, you can see
Bullfrog Lake that remains closed to camping but has excellent photographic
opportunities.
After leaving the pass, you will come to a trail junction.
Although the two trails parallel each other, the northern trail travels about
400’ above the trail to the south. The northern trail is intended for those
folks intending to meet up with the JMT/PCT and head north over Glen Pass. The
southern trail is intended for those wanting to go to Kearsarge Lakes, meet up
with the southbound JMT/PCT or those headed to the popular Charlotte Lake.
There is a wilderness ranger station at that location. Charlotte Lake is
visible from the [upper trail] to Glen Pass.
Although I have passed above Kearsarge Basin on my way to
Rae Lakes on the upper trail twice, I did have the opportunity to take the
lower trail on my way to Center Basin.
Click On Photographs To Enlarge
Independence Creek
Gilbert Lake
Flower Lake
Heart Lake
Big Pothole Lake
Kearsarge Pinnacles And Lakes
Bullfrog Lake In Distance
Trail Heading To Bullfrog Lake
Bullfrog Lake
East Vidette Left Center
Small Unnamed Lake West Of Bullfrog lake
Sierra Resupply
Bullfrog Lake From Upper Trail
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