Video
Beta
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LevelIntermediate
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TrailheadOnion Valley
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Mileage11
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Gain2600'
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Starting Elevation9,160'
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Elevation11,760'
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Grade1
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PetsOn-leash
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SeasonsSeasonal
Directions
QMF5+3V Independence, California, USA
Categories
Land Designation
We would like to use this space to acknowledge the indigenous land upon which we live and play. Payahuunadü is home to the Paiute and Shoshone (Nüümü and Newe) peoples.
Description
The Kearsarge Pass hike is an 11-mile round trip starting from Onion Valley Trailhead, with an elevation gain of about 2,600 feet, reaching a peak altitude of 11,760 feet. This moderate to strenuous trail offers hikers breathtaking views of the Eastern Sierra, alpine lakes such as Gilbert and Flower Lakes, and the rugged granite peaks of the High Sierra. The best time to hike is from late June to early October.
HISTORY
- Kearsarge Mines: The pass is named after the Kearsarge mines in the area, which were named after the USS Kearsarge, a Union warship from the American Civil War. The mines were active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily producing gold and silver.
- Native American History: Before European settlers, the area was inhabited by the Paiute people. They used the region's resources for hunting and gathering and had trails that predated modern hiking paths.
- John Muir Trail: Kearsarge Pass is a gateway to the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, making it a historically significant route for hikers traversing the High Sierra.
GEOLOGY
- Sierra Nevada Formation: The Sierra Nevada mountain range, including Kearsarge Pass, was formed over millions of years through tectonic activity and volcanic processes.
- Glacial Carving: The distinctive U-shaped valleys, sharp ridges, and high alpine lakes are the result of glacial carving during the last Ice Age. These glaciers sculpted the granite peaks and valleys visible today.
- Rock Composition: The primary rock type is granite, which is evident in the rugged, exposed faces and boulders along the trail. The granite’s composition includes quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving the mountains their distinctive appearance.
FLORA
- Vegetation Zones: The trail traverses several vegetation zones, from montane forests to subalpine and alpine regions.
- Montane Forests: Lower elevations feature Jeffrey pine, lodgepole pine, and quaking aspen. These areas are rich in plant life, with various shrubs and wildflowers.
- Subalpine Zone: As you ascend, you'll encounter whitebark pine and foxtail pine. The vegetation becomes sparser, with hardy plants adapted to the harsh conditions.
- Alpine Zone: Near the pass, the environment is characterized by low-growing, resilient plants like alpine sorrel and sky pilot.
- Wildflowers: In the summer, the trail is adorned with colorful wildflowers such as lupine, Indian paintbrush, and columbine.
FAUNA
- Mammals: The area is home to several mammals, including mule deer, black bears, and marmots. Marmots are often seen near the pass, sunning themselves on rocks.
- Birds: Birdwatchers might spot Clark’s nutcracker, mountain bluebird, and golden eagles. The diverse habitats along the trail provide excellent bird-watching opportunities.
- Reptiles and Amphibians: While less commonly seen, reptiles such as the western fence lizard and amphibians like the Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog inhabit the area.
- Insects: The high meadows and lakes support a variety of insects, including butterflies and dragonflies, which play crucial roles in the local ecosystem.
Disclaimer
This is not professional advice. Access, parking, difficulty and trail conditions are different from user to user and can change at anytime. Please consult with local land manager and/or local guide services for current information and professional advice.
Understand the effects of high altitude and acclimatize properly to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold temperatures, wind, and potential storms. Check forecasts before the hike. Carry detailed topographic maps and know how to use them. GPS devices can be useful but should not be relied upon solely. Always carry your ten essentials. Accents may require microspikes or crampons depending on season.
Understand the effects of high altitude and acclimatize properly to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Be prepared for cold temperatures, wind, and potential storms. Check forecasts before the hike. Carry detailed topographic maps and know how to use them. GPS devices can be useful but should not be relied upon solely. Always carry your ten essentials. Accents may require microspikes or crampons depending on season.
Leave No Trace
Plan Ahead and Prepare
- • Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.
- • Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.
- • Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.
- • Visit in small groups when possible. Consider splitting larger groups into smaller groups.
- • Repackage food to minimize waste.
- • Use a map and compass or GPS to eliminate the use of marking paint, rock cairns, or flagging.
Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
- • Durable surfaces include maintained trails and designated campsites, rock, gravel, sand, dry grasses, or snow.
- • Protect riparian areas by camping at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.
- • Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.
- In popular areas:
- • Concentrate use on existing trails and campsites.
- • Walk single file in the middle of the trail, even when wet or muddy.
- • Keep campsites small. Focus activity in areas where vegetation is absent.
- In pristine areas:
- • Disperse use to prevent the creation of campsites and trails.
- • Avoid places where impacts are just beginning.
Dispose of Waste Properly
- • Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite, food preparation areas, and rest areas for trash or spilled foods. Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.
- • Utilize toilet facilities whenever possible. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
- • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
Leave What You Find
- • Preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts.
- • Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
- • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.
- • Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
- • Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the environment. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.
- • Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.
- • Keep fires small. Only use down and dead wood from the ground that can be broken by hand.
- • Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes.
Respect Wildlife
- • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, habituates them to humans, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
- • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.
- • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
- • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
- • Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.
- • Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.
- • Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering pack stock.
- • Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.
- • Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.
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