Onion Valley Trails
lnyo National Forest
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Kearsarge Pass
Trail:
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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. Rough trails lead to the high bowls containing Robinson Lake and the
Golden Trout Lakes.
Area Freehand Drawn Map |
Trailhead
Location:
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Onion Valley is 15 miles west of Independence. Turn
west to Onion Valley on Market Street in downtown Independence. The road
is usually open from May to November. |
Trail
Difficulty:
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The Kearsarge Pass Trail is strenuous. The Robinson and
Golden Trout Lakes trails infrequently maintained and are strenuous. |
Weather:
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Summer days may be quite warm but night temperatures often
drop to freezing or below. Afternoon thunderstorms are common and
snowstorms may occur at any time. Bring appropriate clothing and
equipment. |
Water:
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Potable water is available at the trailhead, and creeks
and lakes are accessible along the trail up to Flower Lake. The presence
of Giardiasis in backcountry water poses a serious health problem; boil or
filter all drinking water. |
Maps:
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The Forest Service’s John Muir Wilderness & Sequoia-Kings
Canyon Wilderness” topographic map set (15 min.) is available from the
Ranger Station. Also see the USGS topo map entitled Kearsarge Peak” (7.5
mm.). |
Trailhead Facilities:
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Forest 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. Open
March-October. |
Pack Station:
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Sequoia Kings Pack Trains: east side entries Into
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park. (760) 387-2797. |
Onion Valley Ares
Regulations: Violations are subject to citation.
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A wilderness permit is required for all overnight
hikes. Permits are available at the Ranger Stations In Lone Pine and
Bishop. |
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Proper food storage In BEAR territory Is required
by federal law. Portable, bear-resistant toad canisters are required
when camping east of Kearsarge Pass. Food storage lockers are available
over the Pass in the Park. |
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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. |
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Camp at least 100 ft. from steams. Camping closer
than 25 ft. to water is strictly prohibited. Bury human waste at least
100 ft. from camp and water, and pack out your toilet paper. |
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There is a one night camping limit at Kearsarge
Lakes, Charlotte Lake, and Rae Lakes. |
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Trail switchbacks are expensive to construct and
maintain. Shortcutting them causes erosion and can be dangerous. |
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Yield the right-of-way to pack and saddle stock. |
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Pets are not allowed in the National Parks. |
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A California State Fishing License is required for
fishing. All state fishing regulations apply. |
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Discharging firearms In the John Muir Wilderness is
not permitted except for taking of wildlife as allowed by state law.
Possession of firearms is prohibited in the National Parks |
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Other regulations may apply to certain areas you
visit. Please plan ahead and prepare. |
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For More Information
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Every visitor shares the responsibility to preserve
and protect the wilderness for today and forever. For more information on
Leave No Trace minimum impact camping, wilderness regulations, or current
conditions on the trail, write or call the Mt. Whitney Ranger Station at
PC Box 8, Lone Pine, CA 93545, (760) 876-6200.
The source of this information is National Park Flyer: KPass 2/97/jtb
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