Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The trail from Onion Valley starts off with a bang, with a nearly 12,000-foot
pass found less than 6 miles from the start. However, the trailhead (9,185 feet) be-
gins at such a high altitude that it's not quite as daunting as one may fear. Begin
climbing a series of manzanita-choked switchbacks to a wooded thicket. Follow bab-
bling Independence Creek up 700 feet to Little Pothole Lake (9,900 feet). Stop and
rest under the shade of willow trees before tackling the next set of switchbacks to
Gilbert Lake. Traverse the lake's northern shore on a more gradual ascent to the
northern shore of shallow Flower Lake. Once again begin ascending a series of
rocky switchbacks, first past lovely Heart Lake, then above the granite wall that
hides Big Pothole Lake. From here, sweat up two final switchbacks to Kearsarge
Pass (11,823 feet). Catch your breath and admire epic views of Kearsarge Pinnacles
and Lakes.
Begin descending on a narrow, rocky trail. At the first junction, veer left to
travel south on a spur trail toward Bullfrog Lake. Campsites lie 1 mile below the
pass at Kearsarge Lakes (10,960 feet). Skirt the lakes' northern shores to continue a
moderate descent west toward Bullfrog Lake (10,610 feet), another reliable water
source. At the next junction, turn left to join the southern route of the John Muir
Trail (JMT).
Continue descending in the canyon, crossing Bullfrog Lake's outlet, and arrive
at lower Vidette Meadow (9,550 feet). Ignore the trail to Roads End, and head south-
east on the JMT toward Forester Pass and upper Vidette Meadow. Enjoy a level path
along the river through the shady woods of Vidette Meadow (9,600 feet), passing nu-
merous campsites with bear boxes, before beginning a gradual to moderate forested
ascent along Bubbs Creek.
Ignore the unmarked spur trail heading east to Center Basin, and continue south-
east, passing more campsites, to ford Center Basin Creek. Rising out of the valley on
rocky switchbacks, the view opens up tremendously en route to Forester Pass. Hit-
ting the 11,000-foot mark, enjoy a gradual plateau with magnificent views of the
snowy spires and sheer granite cliffs surrounding the rocky rubble.
