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12,659 ft · Sierra Nevada, California

Kearsarge Peak

Kearsarge Peak is a 12,659 ft peak in the Sierra Nevada, California. The standard route is the Old Mining Trail: 6 mi, 4,045 ft of gain, Class 1.

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Kearsarge Peak in the Sierra Nevada, California

Photo: Will Keightley, CC BY-SA 2.0

Kearsarge Peak at a glance

  • Elevation12,659 ft3,858 m
  • RouteOld Mining TrailClass 1
  • Distance6 mi4,045 ft gain
  • Time5 – 7 hrsHard effort
  • SeasonJun – Oct
  • RangeSierra NevadaCalifornia

Climbing the Old Mining Trail

From Independence, drive Onion Valley Road toward Onion Valley and look for an unsigned spur on the right about three quarters of a mile below the main lot, which leads to the start of the old mining trail. The faint, cairned trail climbs a gully through brush and sandy scree past old mine workings to the summit ridge. The route is Class 1 but loose and steep, and the true summit is at the west end of the ridge. There is little shade and no reliable water, so carry plenty. Many parties loop back over Lilly Pass and down the Golden Trout Lakes Trail. Scree gaiters help on the descent.

Gear and hazards

What to bring

  • Backpack (25–35 L)
  • Hiking Boots
  • Water
  • Offline Maps
  • Headlamp
  • Satellite Communicator
  • Whistle
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Sun Hat
  • Midlayer
  • Insulated Jacket
  • Hardshell Jacket
  • Warm Hat
  • Buff
  • Midweight Gloves
  • Trekking Poles
  • GPS Device
  • Power Bank
  • Water Filter
  • First-Aid Kit
  • Emergency Bivy

What to watch for

  • Loose rock
  • Dry conditions
  • Route-finding difficulty
  • Storms

Quests with Kearsarge Peak

Peaks near Kearsarge Peak

  1. Mount Tyndall

    Mount Tyndall

    14,019 ft · 9.2 mi away

  2. Mount Williamson

    Mount Williamson

    14,379 ft · 9.4 mi away

  3. Mount Russell

    Mount Russell

    14,094 ft · 14.1 mi away

  4. Mount Whitney

    Mount Whitney

    14,505 ft · 14.9 mi away

Frequently asked questions

How tall is Kearsarge Peak?

Kearsarge Peak is 12,659 feet (3,858 m) tall. It is in the Sierra Nevada, California.

How hard is it to hike Kearsarge Peak?

The Old Mining Trail is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort hard: 6 miles with 4,045 feet of elevation gain.

How long does it take to hike Kearsarge Peak?

Most people take 5 – 7 hours round trip on the Old Mining Trail, covering 6 miles with 4,045 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.

Can a beginner hike Kearsarge Peak?

The Old Mining Trail needs no climbing skills, but it is a hard day: 6 miles with 4,045 feet of elevation gain. Build up on shorter hikes first, start early and carry plenty of water and layers.

Will you get altitude sickness on Kearsarge Peak?

You might. Most people feel the altitude above 8,000 feet, and Kearsarge Peak reaches 12,659 feet. Spend a night or two at elevation first, drink plenty of water and turn back if a headache, nausea or dizziness gets worse.

What time should you start hiking Kearsarge Peak?

Early. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer, so aim to be off the summit and the exposed upper mountain by early afternoon.

When is the best time to hike Kearsarge Peak?

The usual hiking window is June to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.

Climb Kearsarge Peak with Yak

Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list

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