Kearsarge Pass Out and Back

From Onion Valley trailhead and campground, the Kearsarge Pass Trail begins a slow switchbacking climb toward Gilbert Lake (10,400 feet) and Flower Lake. From these lakes, views of the 13,640-foot University Peak dominate the southern skyline while Mount Gould and the talus slopes leading toward Kearsarge Pass are evident to the north and west. After passing Gilbert Lake, the Matlock Lake Trail will soon be visible. A side trip up to Matlock Lakes is a great addition if time allows, and very nice campsites are tucked away by these lakes.More campsites are located near Gilbert Lake and Flower Lake, just a bit farther up the trail. Above Flower Lake the terrain becomes much steeper, making campsites and water hard to come by. The trail continues to switchback, but the grade eases off considerably as Heart Lake and Kearsarge Pass come into view. At this point, the trail carves through a sea of granite talus on the lower slope of Mount Gould.Once at the pass, you'll find your reward of spectacular westward views: Kearsarge Pinnacles, Kearsarge Lakes, Bullfrog Lake, and the high granite peaks of the King-Kern Divide. On a clear day there are sweeping views back over Owens Valley and the Inyo Mountains beyond.