View from Kearsarge Pass

Beginning at the end of Onion Valley Road, the Kearsarge Pass Trail travels through the John Muir Wilderness. The trail climbs through forest and alpine tundra and past several lakes, including Little Pothole, Gilbert, and Flower Lakes. It is 4 miles to the top of 11,700-foot Kearsarge Pass. Beyond the pass, the trail continues into Kings Canyon National Park, where it joins the John Muir Trail near Bullfrog Lake. From the trailhead at Onion Valley to the John Muir Trail junction is 6.5 miles. This is the view from the pass, Kearsarge pinnacles and Kearsarge lakes are seen in this view.

I backpacked to Thousand Island Lake in late July, hoping for clear skies and calm water. The mountains mirrored perfectly in the lake's surface, creating a stunning reflection.

Thousand Island Lake, California · 2024