Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Main Whitney Trail versus Kearsarge Pass Trail

Hi,
Can any of you who have backpacked up both the MMWT and the Kearsarge Pass Trail give me an idea as to how you would compare the two in terms of trail condition, ease or difficulty, and campsites?
I realize the Main Trail is longer, but I am most interested in the first 5 miles, as that is about the length of the Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass section. Looking at the elevation charts they seem about equal in terms of feet gained per mile.
My group hiked up the Main Trail last year, and this year we couldn't get permits, so decided to head up to Rae Lakes instead. Depending on how we hold up on this trail, we are either going to spend the first night at Flower/Bench/Matlock lakes area or push over the pass to Kearsarge Lakes.
None of us have been there, so it would be nice to have a comparative idea on how we can time our hiking schedule against last year's trip. Thanks for your input!

I've done both with heavy packs, and Kearsarge Pass, to me, is much easier. Afterall, Kearsarge Pass is under 12,000 ft., whereas Trail Pass is 13,600. Both trails are in excellent condition, and camping along the trails is virtually the same, in my opinion, other than different views. And, did I say I did both with heavy packs?? Yep, Kearsarge is the easier one.

It may just be me,or it may just be mental, but I think that Kearsarge is considerably easier. I suppose the breaks by the lakes help. If memory serves, 5 miles on the MMWT, puts you sort of nowhere, perhaps Trailside meadow, and if you decide to push to Trail Camp, it is up, up, up. Whereas, once you reach Kearsarge Pass, it is down to the lakes. Particularly if you stay overnite at the trailhead before you start, you are starting a couple thousand feet higher, and that helps, too.

Certainly, gaining the pass always gives a boost of accomplishment, and there is nothing equivalent on the MMWT at 5 miles.

The trails are equivalently good.

However, although bear cans are required in both places, there are very aggressive bears that you WILL encounter on either side of the pass, so be meticulous over there. They are no danger to hikers, but could be fatal to your unprotected food.

Onion Valley to Kearsarge Pass is really, really easy. When I was planning this trip I was figuring on camping somewhere near the Center Basin Jct at the end of our first day. Our group is in good physical condition and our plan was to complete this trip in 4 days.

If your goal complete this trip in the more normal 6 to 7 days I'd figure on Kearsarge Lakes as your first night. This is doable for most.

Kearsarge IMO is much easier than Whitney. If heading to Rae Lakes, though, note that means two 12,000 passes to climb. The advice to camp at Kearsarge Lakes is worth heeding - a beautiful area. I've done Rae Lakes in a day, but it's a workout, and why rush...

Listen to them joe.I know your group and like i said,the hike to flower is much like the hike to LP Lake.Stop there for a bite,drink some water and head for Kearsarge Lakes.Get an early start and take your time and the bears are out there so head up.Dont take these wild places for granted,it is an instant enviroment and an awsome one.Wish i could be there with you guys.Make sure Dave brings his guitar and you bring your harp.Can't wait to see the pic's.Start your day in prayer and start digging His handy work.AD

Thanks for the responses. Looks like we'll shoot for Kearsarge Lakes the first day on the trail. Dan, wish you could be with us as well. Our daily devotional won't be the same without you.
This is what I really like about this board- even if we aren't heading up to Whitney, the wealth of knowledge, experience and encouragement among fellow hikers makes the Sierra experience even more special.
Joe