The Ultimate Solo Escape: Wild Camping in a Mountain Wilderness
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 The Adventure Begins - Opening Drone Sequence
00:45 Onion Valley Trailhead
03:26 Gilbert Lake
05:30 Flower Lake
06:45 The Snow!
08:21 Heart Lake
08:59 Big Pothole Lake
10:14 Kearsarge Pass
10:40 Descending into Kings Canyon National Park
12:30 Kearsarge Lakes
12:56 Finding the Best Campsite
14:47 Campsite overlooking Kearsarge Lakes
15:40 Site & Gear Overview
17:34 Overnight Food Overview
20:08 Hydration & Dinner Time
21:41 Good Morning!
23:30 Hiking out over the Pass
24:45 Kearsarge Pass Sunrise
29:13 Onion Valley
A mid-summer adventure from Onion Valley up and over Kearsarge Pass to the Kearsarge Lake, where I wild camped under the stars enjoying every moment.
The Kearsarge Pass Trail is a spectacular hiking route located in the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, within the boundaries of Kings Canyon National Park. This trail is a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts and backpackers, offering a breathtaking journey that spans from Onion Valley to the stunning Kearsarge Lakes.
The adventure begins at Onion Valley, a trailhead situated at an elevation of 9,200 feet. From here, hikers gradually ascend into the high country, immersed in alpine beauty. The trail winds its way through a diverse landscape, passing through lush forests and alongside crystal-clear creeks. As hikers gain altitude, the scenery transforms, and they are treated to expansive vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
The highlight of the Kearsarge Pass Trail is the ascent to Kearsarge Pass itself, standing at 11,760 feet. The pass offers panoramic views that are nothing short of awe-inspiring. It's a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the rugged grandeur of the Sierra Nevada. The pass also serves as a gateway to Kings Canyon National Park, connecting two of California's most stunning wilderness areas.
Descending from Kearsarge Pass, hikers are rewarded with the sight of the Kearsarge Lakes, nestled in a high-alpine basin. These pristine, glacially-fed lakes are surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery and provide an ideal backdrop for a restful stop or even an overnight camp.
The Kearsarge Pass Trail is known for its challenging elevation gain, making it a favorite among experienced hikers and backpackers. With its access to the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail, it also offers options for extended backcountry adventures. However, day hikers can still enjoy a taste of this stunning wilderness by tackling a shorter section of the trail.
Video Title: The Ultimate Solo Escape: Wild Camping in a Mountain Wilderness
I receive a commission through Amazon for purchases made through the links below:
Camera & Editing Gear (affiliate links):
Tripod (small) - amzn.to/2Ehyb4n
Tripod (large) - amzn.to/3ytZm33Main
Little Camera - amzn.to/3JHOyWt
Big Camera - amzn.to/2H8LGEzMain
Lens- amzn.to/35TTbti
Wide Angle 12mm Lens - amzn.to/3Rf69Yf
Fixed 30mm Lens - amzn.to/3Dm9wa230mm
ND Filter - amzn.to/42Org95
SD Card - amzn.to/32PwQvj
Small Camera - amzn.to/3hIyF1a
Final Cut Pro X - amzn.to/3HWTDtY
Apple MacBook Pro - amzn.to/3WGis1z
iPhone - amzn.to/3khUs2T
Mini SD - amzn.to/3cfoEr8
Microphone - amzn.to/3cf86zD
My Hiking & Backpacking Gear (affiliate links):
Deuter Backpack - amzn.to/3BDUT0P
Day Hiking Pack - amzn.to/3BDsmIC
Big Tent - amzn.to/3IoAErH
Small Tent - amzn.to/3IlWU5C
Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/45aC6YB
Snow Sleeping Pad - amzn.to/45eS6Zk
Snow Steaks - amzn.to/3Mg5WCh
Bear Canister - amzn.to/42RvrRh
Hiking Poles - amzn.to/41W2RNo
Headlamp - amzn.to/3IoC59z
Down Quilt - amzn.to/3IoCzMV
Battery Power Bank - amzn.to/42PgcZi
String Lights - amzn.to/438gWIA
Hiking Water Filter - amzn.to/41RHCfB
Camping Water Filter - amzn.to/3xNvrV0
Sunscreen - amzn.to/32L1xle
Hiking Clothing (affiliate links):
Charter Hat - amzn.to/3o97HsZ
Baseball Hat - amzn.to/3BDveFo
Watch - amzn.to/3pYo6Rg
Shirt - amzn.to/35UZqxg
Shorts - amzn.to/3BDvILI
Pants - amzn.to/3oeCIvp
Fleece - amzn.to/41UqZjv
Typical Hiking Shoes - amzn.to/2FR0Qhk
New Hiking Shoes - amzn.to/3ImD5Li
Crocs - amzn.to/45dqS5t
Socks - amzn.to/340mp7B
Sun Mask - amzn.to/35Ru3U2
#KearsargePass #KingsCanyon #SierraNevada #AlpineScenery #HighSierra #MountainLakes #OnionValley #Backpacking #hiking #camping #wildcamping #solohiking #solocamping #adventure #california #mountains
The Eastern Sierras are just stunning..thanks for sharing!
I agree!
My husband and I just got back from backpacking Kearsarge Pass Trail … We camped at flower lake .. the spot you stopped at … it was so beautiful 🤩
Flower is one of my favorite lakes to camp at. Great campsites and 10/10 scenery!
So beautiful 😍 thanks for taking us along!
One of my favorite spots on the east side. For a bunch of stupid reasons I had very limited time in the high country this season but your videos help me make it through to next year. And your work gets better all the time--congrats!
Thank you! Hope you get out early next year. A couple of longer videos coming soon from recent multi day treks!
Definitely do Rae Lakes. That would make a great video!
It’s on my “to do” list!👍 Had the roads end permit this year for Kings Canyon…but we all know what happened to the roads…2024!
No words to describe the beauty of Kearsarge pass. You feel as if you are on top of the Sierra, like a portal.
I just gave four PCT'ers a ride from Bishop to Onion Valley TH a few weeks ago 09/15/23. Brought back memories of the JMT section I did starting there in 2021.
Another amazing video. I could gush about the Eastern Sierra endlessly. This year has been such an amazing one.
Has been one of the most memorable Sierra years for sure! There’s still time to get out there before the big snow…..
Definite BucketList hike - Want to go all the way to Charlotte Lake for a day/nite as well....
That’s a great hike. Did it in one of my earlier videos. Charlotte lake is gorgeous!
Great video, as always! The tiger wall is nice. I have the 3 when I bring my son or niece, and the 2 for when it's just me. I'm surprised I haven't run into you on the trail. I feel like we're always on the same trails around the same time. My overnight for Kearsarge this year was July 29 - 30. Anyhoo, thanks for sharing, and looking forward to your next video!
Thank you! Wow, that might have been when I was up there! Love the tiger wall 3!!
Absolutely gorgeous... new subscriber.
Great video. 🇺🇲
Thank you and welcome!
What a film, spectacular scenery my friend! Absolutely stunning!
Absolutely beautiful footage! It's just being beautiful up there! I enjoyed watching your time there 😊
Thank you!
Beautiful footage! Such an abundance of water, it makes it even more beautiful. Kearsarge is one of my top favorites, but I didn't make it there this summer. I had three trips to the Sierra this summer, Mammoth Lakes Basin, Cottonwood Lakes, and Vermillion Valley area with section hikes on the JMT. I wasn't aware of the portions of trail that got wiped out my the avalanche's, too bad because it's a very good trail. I suppose some of those old beautiful Foxtail Pines got taken out in the slide, too bad😢. Thanks for another great video!
I'd be terrified to be out there by myself, especially at night.
It gets easier with time :)
Just before you mentioned the timeframe of your hike, I was thinking that this was actually just a few weeks ago. Seems that the trails all throughout the Sierra were lighter this past summer. Looking forward to the next one!😊
I'm wondering what you meant by lighter. Regrettably life got in the way and I only had one late August trip. I didn't waste it though. Dusy Basin off trail and over my first off trail rock hopping pass. It's like I just rediscovered the sierra. The conditions out of that area were pretty good - not too much snow. Those hills were bleeding water in this vid. What a crazy year. I'm with you. ARE WE THERE YET? I didn't get enough this year. Hoping for one more outing in a week or so. Its gettin cold up there. Cheers
@@nedanother9382 In general I feel the trails are less trafficked this year than in years past. Challenging and unpredictable conditions I think made for a lot of cancellations. In July, I met 10/15 permitted backpackers at the trailhead in the morning - all of them had made and committed to their plans only a week before.
What a dream location is this. Love it! Are there bears there?😊
Yes, there are!🐻
Hi, love your videos. Wonderful time lapse of the mountain glow reflected in the lake. so many good photo opportunities up there. Do you have to have a camping permit for an overnight backpacking trip like that?
Thank you! Agree - it’s a photographers paradise! Yes, you must have an overnight permit.
What kind of wilderness permit would I need to reserve for this hike ?
Very nice. What month was this shot?
Thank you! End of July.
OMG I'm floored you have never been over to the lakes....you seem to live up there. What a treat that you saved. Nice work as always.
HA! I thought I was the only dork that has to bring nose spray. I used to get stuffed up every time I go. I've reduced mine to a UL tiny visine bottle and noticed in August I didn't use it. After all these years I'm wondering how you find yourself so often up there for an overnight. I believe you live in the LA area right? Are you just driving up or might you have business that takes you in that direction.
I'm in LoCal and its costing 300 bucks in gas to get there. I'm a bit jealous.
Cheers
Right?! A cool 5 hours from LA seems sooooo much easier than 7.5 from San Diego. I do it anyways, but I agree the fuel prices definitely do not add to the stoke.
I can’t believe it either! I have the Rae Lakes in my sights soon as it’s not much further and so beautiful. Had the roads end permit this year but of course the parks have been closed so that loop was scrapped. So many good loops! I head up when I can…which tends to seem like a lot!😅
No bears 🐻?
Not this time!