Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
8
Onion Valley
to Mount Whitney
S
CENERY
:
T
RAIL CONDITION
:
C
HILDREN
:
D
IFFICULTY
:
S
OLITUDE
:
D
ISTANCE
:
51 miles
H
IKING TIME
:
5-7 days
O
UTSTANDING FEATURES
:
Gilbert Lake, Kearsarge Pass, Vidette Meadow, Forester
Pass, Guitar Lake, Mount Whitney.
The final section of the John Muir Trail is not for the weak of heart, literally or figur-
atively. With two significant mountain passes to climb, and the conquering of the con-
tiguous United State's highest peak thrown in, this is where hikers earn their brag-
ging rights. However, this 51-mile journey is not just for peak-bagging glory hounds;
it also includes some of the most spectacular alpine scenery that the Sierras have to
offer. Those who love their vistas wide can have their fill of expansive hiking above
treeline—open meadows, stark lakes, and the cold embrace of ringing mountains
nearly everywhere. Begin with a hefty 2,600-foot climb up to Kearsarge Pass (11,823
feet), where the trail descends to Vidette Meadow before it's time to hoof it up fore-
boding Forester Pass (13,120 feet). Catch your breath descending to Tyndall Creek
before another scenic traverse up to Guitar Lake. Lastly, conquer the inimitable
Mount Whitney, a giant granite dome hulking over the Owens Valley. Like a benevol-
ent mother, she lures the minions to join her in the heavens. That is, until you get
halfway up and she begins to feel like a deceptively wicked and cruel illusionist, ever
farther away. Until, finally, you reach the seeming top of the world.
DIRECTIONS: O
NION
V
ALLEY TRAILHEAD
—The closest town to the Onion Valley
trailhead is Independence on US 395, 16 miles north of Lone Pine and 26 miles south
of Big Pine. From Independence, drive west on Market Street for 13 miles. The road
name eventually changes to Onion Valley Road, and the trailhead lies at its terminus
(9,180 feet).
You can take public transit as far as Independence via Inyo Mono Transit's
CREST bus, but you will need to walk or hitchhike the remaining 13 miles to the
