OverviewMount Bago is in Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park and the easiest way to access it is via the Kearsarge Pass Trail. Once an Indian trading route, the Kearsarge Pass Trail provides access to a beautiful High Sierra lake basin in the John Muir Wilderness and the spectacular backcountry of Kings Canyon National Park.
From Onion Valley, you take the Kearsarge Pass Trail 4.7 miles to Kearsarge Pass passing Little Pothole Lake , Gilbert Lake Flower Lake, Heart Lake, and Big Pothole Lake along the way. You get your first view of Mount Bago in the distance just past Bullfrog Lake once you get to Kearsarge Pass. From Kearsarge Pass you enter into the National Park and continue on to Charlotte Lake. The hike from the trailhead all the way to Charlotte Lake is about 9 miles and the xcountry side trip to Mount Bago makes the hike a total of 10 miles one-way.
Getting ThereTake Highway 395 to Independence, CA. Turn west on Market Street and follow the road 13 miles. The road ends in Onion Valley where the Kearsarge Pass Trail starts.
It's a 4.7 mile hike to Kearsarge Pass and then about 4 more miles to Charlotte Lake. Although the campsites at Charlotte Lake are well used, it's a nice place to camp and there is a bear box there. Also, there's pretty good fishing in Charlotte Lake.
To reach Mount Bago from Charlotte Lake, head south along the east side of Charlotte Lake and then go east toward Bago. It's about a mile of xcountry class one hiking to reach the summit of Mount Bago from Charlotte Lake.
Red TapeFor overnight trips permits are required. For day hikes permits are not required.
Contact Inyo National Forest Service for a permit.
When To ClimbThe easiest time is from June through October.
CampingCharlotte Lake is the best spot for camping close to the peak if you're backpacking.
If you want to day hike and car camp, there is a campground near the trailhead in Onion Valley that's open from the end of May to the end of September. The elevation of the campground is 9,200 feet. Restrooms are provided. Firewood is for sale on-site. Trailers are not recommended. Tent Trailers are OK. Some sites are available on a first come, first serve basis and others are reservable.
Here's the link for reservation for the Onion Valley Campground:
Reserve America
Miscellaneous InfoBe aware that you are in Bear country when you are hiking in the High Sierra. Please know how to store your food correctly -- it protects the wildlife and guarantees that you will not go hungry on your trip.
External Links Images
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Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
