calipeaks.com

Kearsarge Pass to Kearsarge Lakes

Inyo · Managed by Inyo National Forest (USFS) · Region: Inyo National Forest
Difficulty 24/100 · Moderateout and back#eastern-sierra#alpine-lakes#jmt-access#rae-lakes-access
Distance
7 mi
Total gain
2,600 ft
Net gain
0 ft
Net loss
0 ft
Elevation
9,190–10,896 ft
Days
2–3
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed seasonally

Overview

Kearsarge Pass is the eastern Sierra's most beautiful crossing: 3.5 miles from Onion Valley to Flower Lake's camp, then over the 11,700-foot pass to the Kearsarge Lakes below University Peak — and the JMT just beyond. The classic route into the Rae Lakes country.

Highlights

  • The Kearsarge Lakes' granite bowls beneath University Peak
  • Flower Lake's quick first camp
  • The JMT and Rae Lakes Loop a stone's throw beyond the pass
  • A high trailhead (9,200 ft) that does half the work for you

How hard is Kearsarge Pass to Kearsarge Lakes?

CaliPeaks rates this route 24/100 (Moderate). The score weights five factors: climbing counts for 45% — 2,600 ft puts this trip at 22% of the reference climb; distance 20% at 7 miles; maximum altitude 15% at 10,896 ft; route technicality 10% (established trail throughout); and trip length 10% at 3 days. A score under 20 suits first-time backpackers; 60+ means serious endurance. See how we score difficulty for the full method.

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Onion Valley Trailhead (9,190 ft) · parking: End of Onion Valley Road, west of Independence
  • Water: Flower Lake and the Kearsarge Lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Independence and Bishop are below.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Inyo National Forest (USFS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Onion Valley entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: 60% of quota released six months out, 40% two weeks out, at 7 a.m. PT.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed seasonally. Campfires are allowed in existing rings unless current Inyo NF fire restrictions are in effect. A California Campfire Permit is required for stoves and fires. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: Kearsarge Pass clears by early July in most years.

Heat: Cool at these elevations.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The pass holds snow into July
  • Camp at least 100 feet from water
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Elevation sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Inyo National Forest. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Kearsarge Pass description: begins at Onion Valley, first campsite Flower Lake (3.5 miles), access to the John Muir Trail and the Rae Lakes Loop.
  3. Inyo National Forest - Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / U.S. Forest Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/233262. Accessed 2026-09-07. Year-round permit requirement, quota release schedule, and food-storage rules.
  4. Inyo National Forest alerts and fire restrictions. U.S. Forest Service. https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/inyo/alerts/stage-1-fire-restrictions-effect. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Current Stage 1 fire restrictions affecting campfires and stoves.