Kearsarge Pass, Eastern Sierra

Kearsarge Pass Vicinity: A Many-Layered Onion

Bearing the unlikely name of an Appalachian peak, Kearsarge Pass is one of the more heavily traveled entries to the Sierra. And for good reason. The Kearsarge Pass Trail originates in Onion Valley, a hanging basin tucked comfortably into the enclosing mountains with plentiful campsites and reliable water sources. Lying a mere 13 miles from the town of Independence, a dayhiker could very easily set up a spacious camp here for a number of days while attempting several of the surrounding peaks.

This is very often the site of aspiring peakbaggers’ initial forays into the higher climes of the Sierra, and its heavy usage has done nothing to dampen its rich and handsome nature. A pleasant, if strenuous, 5.5 mile hike past forested lakes and flashing streams brings you to Kearsarge Pass itself. From this point the weary hiker can descend to the nearby Kearsarge Lakes and pitch camp for the night, or continue down the trail another three miles to Charlotte Lake, where an ideal basecamp can be had for multiday outings. Both are visually stunning and highly recommended.