Backpacking Kearsarge Lakes - Kings Canyon National Park
Today we’re backpacking to Kearsarge Lakes in Kings Canyon National Park. It’s a short but sweet overnight backpacking route that can easily be turned into a multi-day trip. Great for beginners and more experienced backpackers alike. It’s a very popular trail so don’t expect to have solitude on the way up to the pass, but the views are worth sharing.
The Kearsarge Pass trail begins at about 9100 ft and takes you past several beautiful little lakes on your way up to the pass - including Little Pothole Lake, Flower Lake, Gilbert Lake, Heart Lake, and Big Pothole Lake. Once you pass Big Pothole Lake the next landmark you can look forward to is Kearsarge Pass up at 11,700 feet. You’ll definitely want to spend some time up there taking in the breathtaking views overlooking the Kearsarge Pinnacles and the sprinkling of lakes waiting below.
If you’re interested in this trip and looking for more details about what to expect, you’re in the right place! Keep reading for all the details you need to plan your backpacking trip to Kearsarge Lakes - like trailhead info, where to get permits, what to bring, wildlife info, summer trail conditions, and (of course!) all the backcountry views to help you know what to look forward to!
HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Trail Length: 6 miles one way, 12+ miles roundtrip
Trail Difficulty: Overall the mileage is short, but hiking to the pass can be challenging with a heavy pack and depending on your fitness level. This route begins at 9100ft and the pass stands at 11,700 ft.
Trailhead: Onion Valley trailhead in the Eastern Sierra, about 15 miles west of Independence, California
Wilderness permits: Required. They’re issued through Inyo National Forest.
Water: Expect a few spots to fill up along the way. Make sure you fill up when passing Flower Lake, as Heart Lake and Big Pot Hole lake are not very accessible.
River crossings: None
Bears containers: Required for storage of food and trash
Campfires: not permitted above 10,000 feet, generally best practice in California to avoid building fires in the backcountry. I just pack a small stove for cooking, especially during peak wildfire season
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED FOR BACKPACKING KEARSARGE LAKES?
Well here’s the thing, you’re only allowed to spend a maximum of two nights at Kearsarge Lakes. This is a great place to set up your base camp and explore the surrounding lakes and peaks. And it’s worth noting that you can easily attach this stop to several other backcountry routes, including the JMT and Rae Lakes Loop.
I spent one night at the lakes, but would’ve loved to stay one more. It’s a really relaxing area to camp, take in a sunrise, and enjoy the views. And for photographers, there are endless compositions at and around the three lakes. Plus the Milky Way lines up directly above the Pinnacles, a sight not to be missed.
WHERE CAN I GET A TRAIL PERMIT FOR BACKPACKING KEARSARGE LAKES?
Usually the permit process looks a bit different in our national parks than it has this year. But during COVID - there’s no waiting in line or getting a permit in person.
All permit reservations are done online and can be submitted through the Inyo National Forest via recreation.gov website. This has to happen this way because the trailhead begins in Inyo National Forest and takes you into Kings Canyon. Don’t worry, you only need one permit from Inyo to get into Kings.
And if you’re wondering if you can skip the permit, trust me. You’ll need it. I was checked by a forestry ranger and a national park ranger on the way up. So keep it in an easily accessible spot on your pack.
WHERE CAN BACKPACKERS PARK FOR KEARSARGE LAKES?
There’s plenty of parking at the end of Onion Valley Road but definitely try to get there early in the morning - keeping in mind that this also doubles as a popular day hiking location.
WHERE CAN I CAMP WHILE BACKPACKING KEARSARGE LAKES?
The main things to know are that you can’t camp within 100 feet of lakes, rivers, and creeks. There are established campsites around all three lakes - use one of those if available to avoid creating another site.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK?
Besides the usual backpacking gear & essentials (which I’ll have to round up in a separate post!) here’s the big things that I think you’d be bummed to be without:
Sunscreen: right from the start, there isn’t a whole lot of shade or cover. So sunscreen, a hat, or even lightweight long sleeve shirt will be good for sun protection. Especially in summer. I use this non-toxic mineral sunscreen (bonus points for it being reef safe). I always forget to bring a chapstick with SPF. You’ll want it on this trail.
Bug Spray: always a must when backpacking in the warmer months in California. In August we saw the mosquitoes tapering off but they can be relentless around the three lakes. And if you’re into backpacking you know nothing can ruin an otherwise epic trip quite like being bit the whole time. Here’s the one I recommend and that I find most effective - click here
Bear Canister: these are required when backpacking in the Sierra, they come in two sizes but I bring the larger one even when going solo. You’ll want to store your food in here as well as anything else that has a smell (so toothpaste, toothbrush, chapstick, deodorant, etc). Here’s the one I have.
Calorically Dense Food: this may seem like a no brainer but you’d be surprised how scant some backpacking meals are on calories. Make sure you check the back of your backpacking meals for nutrition info to make sure you have enough to fuel you up out there. I like to bring nut butter packs and backpacking meals like these.
Electrolytes: You can get these as packable powders, they come in handy when you’re sweating a lot and can help you stave off any headaches or cramps. I like to take these ones with me.
MORE VIEWS FROM KEARSARGE LAKES IN KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARK
Here’s some more shots from that trip to help you decide if you wanna try backpacking the Kearsarge Lakes. Be sure to pin and save this post to your travel board as a resource for later.
If you follow me on instagram @billydekom then you know I like sharing videos of hiking and backpacking trips too. Here’s a link to the videos from this trip, it’s like getting to preview the trail before you go! You can catch them anytime in my highlights over there.
Btw, if you’ve got any questions about this trip or trail specifics - leave them in the comments below & I’ll get back to you. I’m an open book when it comes to sharing info with fellow hikers, backpackers, and photographers.
