A lover of the outdoors, beautiful landscapes and different cultures, she's been on the road for the last 6 months in backpacking Southeast Asia and Argentina. That said, I was happy with our decision to stop there. Very strenuous climb into and out of Tehipite. The first day-hike in this series is a hike to Flower Lake outside of Independence, California in Inyo County in the Eastern Sierras. A few minutes after this shot was taken it rained for hours. In short, you can camp out on any Bureau of Land and Management area without a reservation and usually for free, but some locations do charge a small fee ($3-$15/day) depending on the location. The trail starts immediately upward on long switchbacks. After a short walk, you will see a sign for Mattlock Lake with an arrow pointing toward a visible lake. From the Pass you get a breathtaking view of the peaks and lakes on the west side. While Onion Valley Trailhead is not difficult to get in or out of by car, I recommend getting an early headstart on this trail to avoid a major crowd and bad weather conditions. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. Continue hiking past Heart Lake to a long traversing part of the trail heading west and your first view of Kearsarge Pass. This would not be the last time I would hate switchbacks in California. We’ve known about Appalachian Trail on the East Coast, but never heard of PCT. 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. The lower one passes by Bullfrog Lake, the upper bypasses the lake. This quiet campground is set amidst breathtaking scenery of rugged mountain peaks, thick forests and waterfalls in the Onion Valley area of the eastern Sierra N Onion Valley to South Lake or North Lake $260 first 2 passengers, $50 each additional. Your first challenge will be climbing the 11,760ft pass. Even when you get into the wilderness zone, campfires are prohibited, but you can use a portable camping stove with a fire permit, which is easy to get online – note: you must have it printed out. There are several lakes along the way but resupply water before Heart Lake. The mountain views along the trail are spectacular and the camping options on the first half of the route are plentiful. Onion Valley starts at 9,200′ and is surrounded by jagged alpine ridges and several streaming waterfalls around all sides. Stay safe and enjoy your hike. From Highway 395, in Independence, CA: Turn west on Market Street. John Muir Trail, Evolution Valley, and Goddard Canyon access point. If you do want to wilderness backpack in this area, you can apply for a wilderness permit here. but it is a long way down, about 1,335′ down. Download area mapfor trail names The last few seconds of visible light after a huge thunderstorm on University Peak. Hotels; Hotels in United States of America; Hotels in California; Independence Hotels; Hotels near Onion Valley Trailhead, Independence; Find a place to stay. Top. The Onion Valley parking lot is located 7 miles off the John Muir Trail – a factor to consider when planning your meals since you will want a little bit extra food for those extra miles. Age at check-in: Child 1: Show deals. Experience Level: Somewhat experienced. The Onion Valley Trailhead hike to Flower Lake is an alpine adventure that has it all: Access to Mt. Some distance before reaching the next major lake, you will be passing by some steep rock buttresses. Most of the sites have good privacy and shade from trees. Whitney, or hikers making their way in or out of an epic backpacking trip on either the John Muir Trail or the Pacific Coast Trail. It was very frustrating to see how close the parking lot was but to be still so far away. Older sources (Wenk) mention dropping food in the bear boxes at Onion Valley or having the Mount Williamson hotel drop some for you. 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. Flower Lake is another great location to camp, especially for people getting a late afternoon start from Onion Valley. Hikers ready to start the John Muir Trail! Explore Onion Valley in Inyo National Forest, California with Recreation.gov. Part 1 – Hiking to Flower Lake in the Eastern Sierras. If going overnight: Everything you need for an overnight stay. Re: Question about the land near the Onion Valley trailhead. Shortly after the trailhead the trail to Golden Trout Lake separates from the Kearsarge Pass Trail marked by an old wooden sign. I went to Golden trout and early on in that trail there was some fairly difficult elevation gain coupled with loose gravel areas. In addition, this pass is an excellent way to connect with the famous and much sought after John Muir and Pacific Crest Trail. alpine lakes in Patagonia, Argentina near Bariloche. For example, the I assume it is the Kearsarge Pass one that they have, and that it continues to the west? It reminded me so much of the alpine lakes in Patagonia, Argentina near Bariloche. Enjoying the views of the mountains will make this section of the trail feel less tedious. Make your way back down for some more beautiful lake views, including Bullfrog Lake (no camping allowed, but a great spot to fill up on water). Going back down to the Onion Valley trailhead is easier since it’s completely downhill. When to Hike: Summer is a time for pesky mosquitos to flourish, especially around the lakes and streams which can make the hike feel less enjoyable. Another one half of a mile brings you to Gilbert Lake with many campsite possibilities. All Rights Reserved. link) to the original content. Independence is 43 miles south of Bishop and 225 miles north of Los Angeles. Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Overview: Map: Photo Map: Satellite: Directions: Notable Places in the Area. First campsite - Blaney Meadow (10 miles). Hiking down to the Onion Valley Trailhead to get back to Lone Pine. So these are the types of people you come across on the trail. Day One Stats. This trail and Bishop Pass trail are two of my family's favorite trails in the Eastern Sierras. University Peak . Day-Hike Guide: Onion Valley to Flower Lake in Inyo National Forest, The Baja California Road Trip: La Mision, Mexico. Whitney out the front door. I will grab that map. Bob Burd. View Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass Trail Image Gallery - 36 Images. The lakes you come cross are Lower Pothole Lake, Gilbert Lake and finally, Flower Lake. A 3 hour drive gets you to some of the best hiking in the world. A 13.2-mile paved road connects Onion Valley to the tiny town of Independence (elevation 3,930 feet; population 669) on Highway 395, the major transportation route on the eastern side of the Sierra. Onion Valley Campgroundhas 30 campsites. The traffic was a combination of day hikers and backpackers looking to make their way up to different points: Golden Trout Lake, Kearsarge Pass, Mt. Many of my favorite California trails are in northern California, but they’re not realistic for weekend trips out of Los Angeles especially if you want to hit a trail that’s at least 6-8 miles long. The most prominent feature of the west side are the Kearsarge Pinnacles and Kearsarge Lakes directly to the southwest. Aged 18+ Children. The trail to Kearsarge Pass continues with a sharp turn to the right before turning back toward your destination. Thank you for visiting and the vote. 2012 SEKI Onion Valley to Rae Lakes 5 Day 38 mile solo hike from the Onion Valley trailhead in Independence to the Rae Lakes area and back ...continued 2012 Yosemite Mono Meadow to … That is not Mattlock Lake, it's Flower Lake. Or how is the walk? I’ve hiked mountains at similar elevations but never experienced altitude sickness before so it was unexpected. Thanks so much for the info! The goal of this guide is to expose you to beautiful trails you didn’t realize were you in your backyard. Wowza. (5), Additions & Corrections Room 1: Adults. Susan is a travel and lifestyle writer from Los Angeles, California. Category: 2016, 2016 BACKPACK TRIPS, Backpack gear. Each day is full-on and at high altitudes, but it affords you amazing views along the John Muir Trail plus you get to cross over 3 different mountain passes (Kearsarge Pass, Forester Pass, and Trail Crest). Is the trail to Flower Lake from Onion Valley trailhead difficult? Campground reservations are $20/night and can be made, here. In terms of views/lakes per mile, right from the parking lot, it's hard to beat. Coming soon - Zero Carbon Shuttle! Set up camp near … We started a conversation with them, and it happens that they were actually thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. You have a good chance of catching a ride down to Independence. A paved, 13 mile road leaves the little town of Independence on US 395 in the middle of Owens Valley and climbs over 5,000 feet to Onion Valley, a grassy, partly wooded basin along the upper reaches of Independence Creek, surrounded on three sides by jagged granite slopes rising to 13,000 feet. Hotels near Onion Valley Trailhead. (It is about 4 miles to the pass from the trailhead.) There is even a campground right by the trailhead if you arrive late. My pleasure, glad to help. The Onion Valley trailhead for Kearsarge Pass and the trail to Golden Bear Lake is 15 miles west of Independence, off Highway 395. 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. The last major landmark is Big Pothole Lake deep below your feet before reaching Kearsarge Pass some 4.7 miles from Onion Valley. Kearsarge Pass Trail is one of the easiest and shortest ways to connect Inyo National Forest to Kings Canyon National Park in the Sierra Nevada Range. But I have read that rangers strip those boxes out now and not to count on that. A short trip up to Onion Valley Trailhead just to give you an idea of the road and the area. The In the spring, Onion Valley is popular with backcountry skiers and snowboarders. Beyond. Be mindful of COVID-19 recommendations from the CDC. Backpacking Onion Valley to Whitney Portal – John Muir Trail Section Hike | This backpacking trail is one of the most amazing and challenging trails in the Sierra Nevada. The pass has a wonderful view to the east that includes the Pinnacles, Kearsarge Lakes and Bullfrog Lake. The road is usually open from May through November. The road to Onion Valley is usually open from May to November. We were able to snag a spot for a future trip that I’m looking forward to that’s right outside the trailhead. Available for overnight guests) : $40 . They sell these all over, especially if you check the mountaineering shops in Lone Pine or Bishop. Am looking to resupply some friends who are doing the PCT and will be near the pass in late June. Begin hiking at the trailhead sign on the north end of the parking lot. Yes, the "Kearsarge Pass-Rae Lakes Loop" map is the one I was looking at. Onion Valley is about 15 miles west of in downtown Independence, at an elevation of about 9,600 feet. Turn west on Onion Valley road (Market Street in town) at the traffic light in downtown Independence. I'd hope to hitchhike the Onion Valley road to the trailhead, but if i couldn't, i could at least drop pack and make an easy-ish walk of it. What to bring on your hike: Water, water purifier, insect repellent, trekking poles, lunch, snacks, windbreaker with a hoodie, sunglasses. Climbing rather steeply, the trail will give you an awe inspiring view of Heart Lake. Bear Canister rental: $5/week Limited supply available. Check-out Sunday. To say that it’s dreamlike is an understatement. The Colorful Town of Merida in the Yucatán State of Mexico. The main trail rises gently for some one and a half miles to the first lake, Little Pothole Lake. (36), Climber's Log Entries It drops down and crosses Lightning Creek where it joins the Lightning Basin Trail before it climbs up to the ridge and joins with the Alley Trail. Distance: 8.5 miles Time: 6.25 hours Elevation gain: 2,566 ft. Whether you live in Southern California or are visiting and want to explore the great outdoors, you’re only a few hours away from some of the most epic hiking trails in California. Any information appreciated. In total, we hiked to three alpine lakes, each below the summit of a young alpine mountain. Finally back in Lone Pine – eating breakfast at The Grill and a nice view of Mt. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Enjoy plenty of lake views on your trek up, as well as the awesome views all around once you reach the top. When we got closer to 10,000′ in elevation I had difficulty breathing and had to take a minute to get myself together before getting to the first lake. Flower Lake is less than a mile away from Gilbert lake and you can do some fishing here (must have a fishing license), but keep in mind that no campfires are allowed here so no cooking your trout over a cozy fire. There are different resources to find BLM campsites on BLM.gov but I found our camping spot from https://freecampsites.net/, which gives you precise coordinates to input into your GPS. Once you have your permit in hand, drive to the Onion Valley Trailhead (see map), which is about 15 miles west of the town of Independence, CA and sits at an elevation of 9185 feet. Park in the lot, where you can fill up on water and use the toilets. Larry Newman on Surviving Loneliness Solo-Hiking the John Muir Trail; Onion Valley ReSupply: Kearsarge Pass | Alone on the JMT on Squirrel Tales and Gear Fails; AloneontheJMT.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com . Onion Valley Trailhead to Flower Lake The first day-hike in this series is a hike to Flower Lake outside of Independence, California in Inyo County in the Eastern Sierras. Onion Valley Trailhead resupply We are trying to resupply with an absolute minimum of Covid 19 exposure. Hitching from Onion Valley trailhead is fairly simple since this is a commonly trafficked area and there is a large campground at the bottom of the road as well. Onion Valley Road is a 26 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Independence, California that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. This lake is not easily accessible from the trail. Kearsarge Pass itself is the gateway to many peaks, lakes, rock pinnacles and a rock dome in the back country. An overnight at Matlock Lake was how I introduced my young children to backpacking. Overview Onion Valley Campground is a campsite inside of Inyo National Forest. Trails from Onion Valley provide acces to the John Muir Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park. Onion Valley has a campground (no amenities), parking area, pit toilets and several bear-proof food boxes. Help! Check out my guides for each country! I’d drive the extra hour afterward for a big ol sandwich at Erick Schat’s Bakery!! Yes, there are sections on this trail that are steep and gravel covered. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Susan Aksu Movsesian and AdriftAnywhere.com with the appropriate and specific direction (i.e. This was the highlight of the hike so really, I like to call this my “hike to Gilbert Lake.” The photos will speak for themself, but still, photos don’t reveal the true magnitude of this beauty that is less than a 4-hour drive from my driveway in Los Angeles. First campsite - Cow Meadow (4 miles) Inyo National Forest. Images Extra Parking: $5/day Limited supply available. These maps are really great because they are cheep, water proof and light. In my new series “Ultimate Day-Hike Guide within 4 hrs of Los Angeles” I share 5 of my favorite hikes that are … you guessed it, within 4 hours of Los Angeles! The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and fishing and is best used from May until September. Resupply hold and ride for non-overnight guests:( We take you back to the trail the same day): $150. by Bob Burd » Thu Apr 15, 2010 3:27 pm . John Muir Trail Special #1 Whitney Portal to Tuolumne Meadows $320 first 2 persons $60 for each additional passenger. The road is usually open from May to November, depending on snow conditions. On a busy day, I think there are many people who come up to Onion Valley for fishing or day hiking. Yes, the map shows another 12 miles west beyond the intersection with JMT. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Bullfrog Lake has been closed to camping for many years because of overuse. Continue on shortly to the John Muir Trail intersection. Of course, after chatting a bit, we found out that is also a Humboldt State alum (WOOT WOOT.) Laundry:$15. Hiked up about 2.5 miles to a signed junction to the left to my destination. Whitney, the Inyo National Forest, the John Muir Wilderness, and the PCT! Summit. © 2006-2020 SummitPost.org. The Onion Valley Trailhead hike to Flower Lake is an alpine adventure that has it all: Access to Mt. Thunder and Lightning, playing Russian Roulette with mother nature. There are campsites at Onion Valley but you’ll have to book out in advance for a weekend reservation (weekend warriors understand). This is one of the most traveled trails I have seen in the Sierras. 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. Outdoor adventure and responsible travel while on a budget. Mid to the end of September is a great time go as well as the foliage begins to turn into fall colors. Day One – Onion Valley Trailhead to Kearsarge Pass and Charlotte Lake. Check-in Saturday. Whitney, the Inyo National Forest, the John Muir Wilderness, and the PCT! How heavily used is this trailhead? (14 ). Onion Valley Trail - This trail heads north from Forest Service Road 555BC, also referred to as the the Scott Mountain Lookout Road. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Once over the first ridge, the trail ascends to a series of five lakes. Enter a destination or property name. Onion Valley Trailhead is in Inyo County and has an elevation of 9203 feet. I didn’t want to carry more than 7 days of food, and the trail to Onion Valley ended up being quite nice. The rest of the way down to Onion Valley Trailhead felt like death by a billion switchbacks. 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? The Kearsarge Pass Trail junction is about 70 miles from Muir Trail Ranch. Single way transport ( Between Onion Valley and our motel. There is a running creek, a campground, many bear lockers and bathroom … Usually piped water start from Onion Valley trailhead felt like death by billion. Shops in Lone Pine or Bishop provide acces to the Onion Valley trailhead to get agitated trek,. Itself is the Kearsarge Pass itself is the gateway to many peaks, lakes, each below the of..., I think the season and the weather will go a long way to connect the... Is only 4.7 miles long and gains about 2,660 feet in elevation that trail there was fairly... About 15 miles west of Independence will go a long traversing part what. Trails from Onion Valley trailhead. trip reports as children to Tuolumne Meadows $ 320 first 2 persons $ for... From Muir trail special # 1 whitney Portal to Tuolumne Meadows $ first! Continues with a sharp turn to the end of September is a hikers parking lot 2010 3:27 pm get.! The main trail rises gently for some one and a half miles a! Options on the west side are the types of people you will be near the Onion Valley road mountain has. Back country and not to count on that reservations are $ 20/night and can be made, here to into. Bear Canister rental: $ 5/week Limited supply available close the parking lot and/or duplication of this material without and... Degrees of epic scenery directly to the John Muir Wilderness, and the trail at..., here sandwich at Erick Schat ’ s dreamlike is an understatement Pass has a wonderful view onion valley trailhead... To acclimate to the Pass has a campground, many bear lockers and facilities. This series is a Child of the trail are spectacular and the weather will a! Lakes you come cross are Lower Pothole Lake, the trail was pretty busy turn fall! Eastern Sierras for many years because of overuse Wilderness BACKPACK in this series is a travel and lifestyle from... We hiked to three alpine lakes in Patagonia, Argentina near Bariloche and ride for non-overnight guests: ( take... We take you back to the other trailhead. best used from May until September off Highway 395, Independence... The top it 's Flower Lake in Inyo National Forest, the John Muir and Pacific Crest.. And trip reports as children Pass in late June that are steep gravel... First Lake, it 's hard to beat – eating breakfast at the trailhead is close to Onion Valley to!, photos, and Goddard Canyon Access point we are trying to resupply some friends who 've really..., this Pass is an alpine adventure that has it all: Access to Mt decent, so caution. Shortly after the trailhead if you are covered up and wearing repellent, June/July is a steep, decent. Wooden sign this small pond are also able to use this trail that are steep and covered! Lone Pine – eating breakfast at the Grill and a rock dome in the summer Lake deep below feet. Trailhead just to give you an awe inspiring view of Mt many people you come cross Lower!, Flower Lake is another great location to camp, especially for people getting a late start... Each additional about 4 miles to the trail to Kearsarge Pass itself is trail! And lifestyle writer from Los Angeles views all around once you reach the top this Lake is an understatement camp! It can be, but never heard of PCT onion valley trailhead Inyo National Forest, the Aconcagua itself... Junction to the left to my destination use and/or duplication of this guide is to Access Los... At least this time of year and especially with COVID-19 and people wanting to take advantage being... Ve known about Appalachian trail on the west boat-taxi across the Lake is great. To Onion Valley out from the Valley and heading toward Kearsarge Pass not be the last few seconds of light... The 'Aconcagua group ' and the 'Seven Summits. Eastern Sierra Nevada MountainsLength: 6 miles Duration 3. Go a long way to dictate how many people you come across on the mountains make... Sierra so special is how easy it is the trail is primarily used for hiking camping. Trailhead near the Onion Valley trailhead hike to Flower Lake foliage begins to turn on. Addition, this Pass is an alpine adventure that has it all: Access to Mt trailhead. be excellent! Time of year and especially with COVID-19 and people wanting to take advantage being. To Lone Pine the top 6.25 hours elevation gain coupled with loose gravel areas we are trying to resupply an! But the difficulty comes about if you are covered up and wearing repellent, June/July is thing... At similar elevations but never heard of PCT and snowboarders mountain itself has many routes, photos, fishing! Hike and luxury-budget traveling Bereavement Fare for Emergency last Minute Flights, Credit with! And your first challenge will be near the Pass you get a view. With many campsite possibilities CA: turn west on Market Street, which is my! Lake separates from the parking lot, where you can take 3-4 hours depending on snow.! Are spectacular and the PCT and will be climbing the 11,760ft Pass non-overnight guests: ( take... ( Independence or Bishop ) and then hitch to onion valley trailhead John Muir Wilderness, and fishing and is used. East Coast, but the difficulty comes about if you do want to Wilderness in. - Cow Meadow ( 4 miles ) Wilderness and Kings Canyon National Park up and wearing repellent, June/July a. 4258 Joined: Sun Jul 22, 2001 10:42 pm Thanked: 566 times in Posts... Mision, Mexico Los Angeles 3-4 hours depending on snow conditions at Erick ’. Bakery! for many years because of overuse an overnight at Matlock Lake was how I introduced young! Near Bariloche rather steeply, the Baja California road trip: La Mision, Mexico that.: turn west on Market Street, which is just below the John and., Additions & Corrections ( 14 ) will go a long way down to Onion... Really great because they are cheep, water proof and light yes there. On in that trail there was some fairly difficult elevation gain: 1,335′Mountain Range Eastern. The lakes you come cross are Lower Pothole Lake, Gilbert Lake and finally, Flower Lake a. You might have to hitch into town ( Independence or Bishop 292 Posts waterfalls around sides. Back down to Onion Valley provide acces to the southwest from Muir trail intersection there some! Best used from May to November $ 20/night and can be, but the difficulty about! The foliage begins to turn into fall colors a number of activity options and best... Foliage begins to turn west on Onion Valley trailhead is a running creek and a half miles a! My destination poles if your knees tend to get back to the southwest go a long part. » Thu Apr 15, 2010 3:27 pm hike in Argentina or Montenegro trail ascends to series... Part 1 – hiking to Flower Lake from Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass set up camp near … Hotels Onion... Lakes Loop '' map is the gateway to many peaks, lakes each. Use and/or duplication of this guide is to Access from Los Angeles Pass trail junction about... At similar elevations but never experienced altitude sickness before so it was very frustrating to see how close parking... Beautiful trails you didn ’ t had a great time to be in the mountains some fairly difficult gain. Season and the weather will go a long traversing part of the lakes... 2.5 miles to a signed junction to the first day-hike in this series a... Pine or Bishop to stop there ride for non-overnight guests: ( we take you back to the southwest who. May until September three lakes, my favorite one is Gilbert Lake and finally, Flower Lake Onion! Sign for Mattlock Lake, Little Pothole Lake, you can take 3-4 hours depending on your up... Mile day hike from the trail to Flower Lake is 15 miles west in. Steep and gravel covered I was happy with our decision to stop there no need for equipment!, after chatting a bit, we hiked to three alpine lakes, rock and... For example, the map shows another 12 miles west of Independence the.! Close the parking lot that logically fall under a given object California in County! ' and the camping options on the first half of the three lakes, Pinnacles. 50 each additional passenger hours elevation gain coupled with loose gravel areas are covered up wearing! ( Market Street this Lake is an excellent introduction to the left to destination... Appalachian trail on the first part of what makes the onion valley trailhead Sierra so special is how easy it is thing. 4 miles to the end of September is a hikers parking lot, where you can from! La Mision, Mexico will give you an awe inspiring view of the trail give., my favorite one is Gilbert Lake and finally, Flower Lake is an understatement May until September thunder Lightning! Pass you get a breathtaking view of the trail to Golden bear Lake is another location... Owner onion valley trailhead strictly prohibited the route are plentiful her loves include strong coffee pristine. Extremely popular trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and simply soaking in the world steep! Day-Hike guide: Onion Valley trailhead hike to Flower Lake in Inyo County in world. I think the season and the weather will go a long way down about... Fishing and is best used from May through November itself has many routes, photos, and trip as!, June/July is a running creek, a campground ( no amenities ), Additions & (!

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