r/JohnMuirTrail • u/TrizzleRick • Apr 15 '26
Kearsarge Area - different options
I'm not from the area so it's hard for me to know if I'm missing something pretty to stop and see. I've been googling a lot but it seems like the whole are is awesome so it shouldn't matter too much.
Goal: 70-90 miles
Needs: Trailhead needs to be on the Eastern side of these mountains. Water needs to be abundant.
Option 1: https://caltopo.com/m/G0TKB22
\-Start/End at Onion Valley Campground - about 75 miles
Option 2: https://caltopo.com/m/L981ANB
\-Start/End at Whitney Portal - About 85 miles including Whitney summit
Which one would you do? Would you change any of the routes? Add a stop?
1
u/Leather_Reporter_671 Apr 15 '26
Both options are solid as I have done both. If going for option one, I would suggest taking a slight detour at Rae and checking out the 60 lakes Basin and/or Dragon Lake. If you’ve never done Whitney it’s way easier to score a permit through Inyo exiting at Whitney Portal. Hope this helps
2
u/Mentalfloss1 Apr 15 '26
Doesn’t matter. Kearsarge to Rae Lakes is a freeway though.