At the end of Onion Valley there are three trailheads from which to choose, Golden Trout Lake, Robinson Lake, or Kersarge Pass.
In choosing the Kersarge Pass Trail, the option of a variety of day hikes confronts the hiker. Each beautiful alpine lake leads to another rise and the next even more stunning lake. There are many side trails and there is a great temptation to cross the pass, but even backpackers usually make a stop before the pass.
The trailhead for Kersarge pass is at 9,000 feet. With a late start and small hikers, Little Pot Hole Lake is the lake of choice. This trail leads the hiker into the John Muir Wilderness and the rugged back country for which the Eastern Sierra are known.
From Onion Valley Up to Little Pothole Lake
The trail up to Little Pot Hole Lake is not crowded but the hike is mostly up hill. There are several flat stretches to recover from the oxygen debt the hiker will build up. There is ample shade to rest when needed to keep the hike pleasant.
The hike has a variety of cascades and waterfalls. Carrying just a day pack for lunch, the mile and three-tenths takes only about two hours. The elevation gain of about 1,200 feet makes this hike just enough of a challenge.
The views are remarkable, with the sounds of the cascading water and the breaks to look back down Onion Valley the time goes quickly. Often when hiking it is hard to remember to look back, in this case it is worth the effort. The town of Independence is clearly visible over 20 miles away. Each switchback makes the town seem smaller and smaller. Some of the mountain ridges across the Owens Valley are over a hundred miles to the east.
Most hikers find walking near the raging creek to be the enjoyable part of the hike. In several spots the creek is so close you can be cooled by the mist. The trail leads away from the creek to reach the saddle where Little Pot Hole Lake can be seen. As with many of the ridges leading to the alpine lakes the first view is awesome. A number of cascading streams into a small lake with an island in the center make a fantastic sight. The lake provides a reflection of the scenery around it even this late in day.
Enjoying Little Pot Hole Lake
The temperature at this altitude is deceiving. The hiker is warm from the hike and the sun is also intense, but the air is cool. To enjoy a picnic, find a place where there is sun and an option for shade. Take a break, eat lunch, and enjoy the sounds.
After this break there is time to explore the side trails around the lake. One leads to the natural dam which creates Independence Creek, that the trail roughly parallels. The opposite way allows access to the lake at many points. If the incoming streams can be crossed the lake can nearly be circumnavigated.
The rocks at the edge of the lake provide a place where many hikers have jumped in and refreshed in the lake. They all retreat quickly to the shore. With younger hikers, a hand-held dip in the lake provides a feel of the cold water and a chance to clean the dust off their legs. These young hikers like finding a hunk of granite with just the right slope to slide down after an easy climb.
From the rocks many fish can be observed in the water, which must reach a depth of over 12 feet. The water is crystal clear which make the bottom easy to see and the depth difficult to judge.
The Return Hike From Little Pot Hole Lake
Once the desire to hike to the next ridge, or to the pass, is put behind them, the hikers face a down hill trail. The return trail retraces the same path they just came up. The views continue to be outstanding. It is interesting to watch as the town of Independence increases in size.
Looking back to the ridge the trip down seems very fast and it is hard to believe the beautiful lake is just beyond and out of sight. The cascading creek is still a joy as are all the other creeks visible in the distance off either side of the trail. Sighting the trailhead parking area it is fun to pick out the car and watch it grow with each switchback.
The day hike complete, will the next hike be one ridge further or all the way over the Kersarge Pass?
Kim Youmans - Kim Youmans is an acclaimed educator, teaching preschool through graduate school. He writes about Theology, travels, and the outdoors.
