Mt Whitney Zone Forums Trip Reports Kearsarge Peak East Ridge (5/29/21)

I hiked up to Kearsarge Peak via the East Ridge, starting on the old mining road to the original Kearsarge mines. The topo is misleading because it suggests there is a trail, but the trail is mostly gone. Interesting to note that the trail shown on the topo is an original 19th century trail to get up to the mines. The first 1,500' or so of elevation gain was loose and steep and after that the ground tightened up a bit as you moved to the ridge. Good views of Owens Valley to the east as you ascend. Many false summits to get to Kearsarge Peak, which is really not very notable. I returned the way I came, and I went quickly down the sandy slopes toward the car. ~5.5 hr car to car at a leisurely pace. The route is slightly less than 5 miles with just under 4k' of elevation.

University Pass has a lot of snow (no surprise):


Came across this rock with this writing. Maybe from the miners in the 19th century??


Independence Peak, Mt. Bradley and Mt. Williamson


First false summit


Great views of Owens Valley


University Peak


Gould and Dragon and the col


Summit photo