Onion Valley to Mount Whitney - Day 1

We recently completed a five day, four night backpacking trip from Onion Valley to Mount Whitney. This trip covers the southernmost section of the John Muir Trail.

Day one: Onion Valley to Vidette Meadows.

Distance: 9.7 miles.
Elevation: start: 9185 feet. Highest: 11,845 at Kearsarge Pass.
Total gain/loss :  2920 feet total gain, 2345 feet total loss.  

The hike started out with a bang. We carried five days worth of food plus all gear uphill from the first step.  From the trailhead to Kearsarge Pass, we gained 2660 feet of elevation over 4.7 miles, Lori carrying 35 pounds, Steve carrying 46 pounds.  The above photo was about 4 miles in.

This picture was taken about 1/2 mile from the pass. These areas of loose large rocks are called talus fields.

This panorama was taken from Kearsarge Pass, which is the wilderness boundary and the entry into Kings Canyon National Park (the only National Park without a road). Onion Valley is on the left, Kearsarge lakes and Bullfrog lake on the right.

Bullfrog Lake

 

Descending past Bullfrog lake, toward the junction with the John Muir Trail (we lost all the elevation gained!)

This garter snake stopped by our dinner spot, about a mile from our camp (it is advised that you do not prepare food next to camp to discourage bears from coming around your camp at night). No trip to the Garden of Eden would be complete without the Serpent!

 

Creek, waterfall, and granite cliff backdrop behind first night's camp.

Camp on night one.