Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass

This trail starts at the Onion Valley Trailhead. This trail is in the John Muir Wilderness and ends at Kearsarge Pass, the boundary for Kings Canyon National Park.

The first section of trail takes you up a series of switchbacks before reaching a plateau at Gilbert Lake. From Gilbert Lake the trail flattens out quite a bit and climbs through the forest as you pass Flower Lake, which is a great place for camping if you'll be spending the night. There is a great spot between the trail and Flower Lake that offers nice seclusion and wonderful views from your tent. If you're just doing a day hike, continue on the trail towards Heart Lake.

The section of trail approaching Heart Lake is where the scenery starts to shift to alpine tundra. This is especially noticeable as you continue on to see the beautiful Big Pothole Lake and arrive at Kearsarge Pass. Kearsarge Pass offers some of the best views you kind find in the Sierras, with towering peaks and lakes in every direction.