Overview and Getting ThereTo climb Mount Rixford, most people start out at the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead in Onion Valley, which is in the Eastern Sierra west of the town of Independence. 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. Kearsarge Pass is one of the most popular backpacking entry points into Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Parks region.
Getting There:
Take US 395 to Independence. In the center of town, turn west on Market Street. Follow the winding paved road 15 miles to Onion Valley. The road is usually open from May to November.
Route Description - via the South/Southeast SlopeI started out at 9200 feet above sea level at the Kearsarge Pass Trailhead in Onion Valley and followed the Kearsarge Pass Trail approximately 5 miles/2600 feet elevation gain to Kearsarge Pass at 11,760 feet.
From Kearsarge Pass, I followed the trail toward Charlotte Lake, bearing right at the junction that goes to Kearsarge Lakes. I left the trail at about elevation 11,100' a little over one mile west of Kearsarge Pass. After leaving the trail, I worked my way up Rixford's south/southeast slope until I picked up Rixford's south ridge not far from the summit. The distance from where I left the trail to the summit of Mount Rixford is a little over one mile with about 1800' elevation gain. The route contains some loose rocks and some sand but, as far as Sierra slogs go, it's not too bad.
My route from where I left the trail to the summit of Mount Rixford was a Class 2 climb (some areas Class 1 and others Class 2).
The hike/climb to Mount Rixford from Onion Valley entails approximately 7.5 miles and 4400' elevation gain. The hike back to Onion Valley entails approximately 7.5 miles with 650' elevation gain. A total hike/climb of 15 miles with just over 5000' elevation gain.
Map of my route:
Link to Photograph With My Route up Rixford Drawn in:
http://kathywing.smugmug.com/photos/402868344_r5Uf6-X2.jpg
Red TapeOnion Valley Areas Regulations:
A wilderness permit is required for all overnight hikes. Permits are available at the Ranger Stations In Lone Pine and Bishop.
Portable, bear-resistant toad canisters are required.
Campfires are not permitted east of the Sierra crest or above the 10,000 ft. level in adjacent Kings Canyon National Park. Portable gas stoves are recommended.
Camp at least 100 ft. from steams. Bury human waste at least 100 ft. from camp and water, and pack out your toilet paper.
There is a one night camping limit at Kearsarge Lakes, Charlotte Lake, and Rae Lakes.
Pets are not allowed in the National Parks.
Possession of firearms is prohibited in the National Parks
Other regulations may apply to certain areas you visit. Please plan ahead and prepare.
For more information on wilderness regulations or current conditions on the trail, contact the:
Eastern Sierra InterAgency Visitor Center
Visitor Services/Wilderness Permits
760-876-6222
760-876-6228 TDD
Junction Highway US 395 & SR136 (1 mile south Lone Pine)
Lone Pine , CA 93545
Hours: Daily 8:00am to 5:00pm
Extended Summer Hours
Inyo National Forest Wilderness Permit Information
Keep in mind that there are other trailheads you can take to access Mount Rixford from and the western ones are in Kings Canyon National Park, so they are subject to the Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park's wilderness permit process.
Sequoia Kings Canyon Wilderness Information
Camping near the TrailheadForest Service Campgrounds:
Onion Valley: 29 unit family campground (next to trailhead). Metal food lockers at campsites. Usually open May-September.
Lower and Upper Grays Meadow: 6 miles west of Independence on Onion Valley Road. 52 unit campground. Usually open March-October.
External LinksPhotos from My Mount Rixford Hike/Climb on Oct. 25, 2008 Images
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Sequoia/Kings Canyon NP
