First one needs to turn west on Market Street, which becomes Onion Valley Road. There used to be a traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Market Street to make it obvious, but the light has been removed.
I've found this trail to be an excellent introduction to the Sierra for friends who've never really explored the area. In terms of views/lakes per mile, right from the parking lot, it's hard to beat. An overnight at Matlock Lake was how I introduced my young children to backpacking.
How heavily used is this trailhead? I'm planning on using this as an exit for a hike on the JMT/PCT and would hopefully be able to hitchhike into Independence. Or how is the walk?
This is one of the most traveled trails I have seen in the Sierras. I think the season and the weather will go a long way to dictate how many people you will run into. On a busy day, I think there are many people who come up to Onion Valley for fishing or day hiking. You have a good chance of catching a ride down to Independence.
Does anyone have a link to a good map (for purchase as well) or information on the distance to meet up with the PCT over Kearsarge Pass? Am looking to resupply some friends who are doing the PCT and will be near the pass in late June. Any information appreciated.
I'm looking at the map "Tom Harrison Maps" and I see there are two trails from Kearsarge Pass to PCT, the upper trail 2.6 miles, and the lower 2.4 miles. The lower one passes by Bullfrog Lake, the upper bypasses the lake. These maps are really great because they are cheep, water proof and light. They sell these all over, especially if you check the mountaineering shops in Lone Pine or Bishop.
My pleasure, glad to help. Yes, the "Kearsarge Pass-Rae Lakes Loop" map is the one I was looking at. Yes, the map shows another 12 miles west beyond the intersection with JMT. In fact, this map shows the entire Rae Lakes Loop on the west side as well as Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass on the east side.
I went to Golden trout and early on in that trail there was some fairly difficult elevation gain coupled with loose gravel areas. Are there spots like that on way to Kearsarge Pass?
hightinerary - Sep 3, 2013 7:22 am - Voted 10/10
Directions from IndependenceFirst one needs to turn west on Market Street, which becomes Onion Valley Road. There used to be a traffic light at the intersection of Main Street and Market Street to make it obvious, but the light has been removed.
Marcsoltan - Sep 12, 2013 11:24 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Directions from IndependenceThank you for the comment hightinerary. I made changes to reflect your directions.
tonyo - Sep 12, 2013 9:33 am - Voted 10/10
Great trailI've found this trail to be an excellent introduction to the Sierra for friends who've never really explored the area. In terms of views/lakes per mile, right from the parking lot, it's hard to beat. An overnight at Matlock Lake was how I introduced my young children to backpacking.
Marcsoltan - Sep 12, 2013 11:31 am - Hasn't voted
Re: Great trailI agree 100%. This trail and Bishop Pass trail are two of my family's favorite trails in the Eastern Sierras.
Thank you for visiting and the vote.
zrowgz - Mar 2, 2014 6:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Leaving PCT/JMTHow heavily used is this trailhead? I'm planning on using this as an exit for a hike on the JMT/PCT and would hopefully be able to hitchhike into Independence. Or how is the walk?
Marcsoltan - Mar 2, 2014 11:34 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Leaving PCT/JMTThis is one of the most traveled trails I have seen in the Sierras. I think the season and the weather will go a long way to dictate how many people you will run into. On a busy day, I think there are many people who come up to Onion Valley for fishing or day hiking. You have a good chance of catching a ride down to Independence.
WaynesWhirled - Mar 18, 2014 1:39 pm - Hasn't voted
T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?Does anyone have a link to a good map (for purchase as well) or information on the distance to meet up with the PCT over Kearsarge Pass? Am looking to resupply some friends who are doing the PCT and will be near the pass in late June. Any information appreciated.
Marcsoltan - Mar 18, 2014 2:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?I'm looking at the map "Tom Harrison Maps" and I see there are two trails from Kearsarge Pass to PCT, the upper trail 2.6 miles, and the lower 2.4 miles. The lower one passes by Bullfrog Lake, the upper bypasses the lake. These maps are really great because they are cheep, water proof and light. They sell these all over, especially if you check the mountaineering shops in Lone Pine or Bishop.
WaynesWhirled - May 1, 2014 4:08 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?Thanks so much for the info! I will grab that map. I assume it is the Kearsarge Pass one that they have, and that it continues to the west?
Marcsoltan - May 1, 2014 7:03 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?My pleasure, glad to help. Yes, the "Kearsarge Pass-Rae Lakes Loop" map is the one I was looking at. Yes, the map shows another 12 miles west beyond the intersection with JMT. In fact, this map shows the entire Rae Lakes Loop on the west side as well as Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass on the east side.
WaynesWhirled - May 5, 2014 1:54 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?Thanks so much! Will buy it.
WaynesWhirled - May 5, 2014 1:54 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: T-junction with PCT over Kearsarge Pass?Thanks so much! Will buy it.
rfisher45 - Nov 18, 2019 4:49 pm - Hasn't voted
Question re trail conditions/ difficultyI went to Golden trout and early on in that trail there was some fairly difficult elevation gain coupled with loose gravel areas. Are there spots like that on way to Kearsarge Pass?
Marcsoltan - Nov 20, 2019 1:36 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Question re trail conditions/ difficultyYes, there are sections on this trail that are steep and gravel covered.