Golden Bear Lake Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park

photo of Golden Bear Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California
photo of Golden Bear Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Golden Bear Lake Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park


Backpacking to Golden Bear Lake

Golden Bear Lake spreads its sparkling alpine water across the lower end of Center Basin, only a few miles off the popular John Muir Trail. At 11,200 feet, Golden Bear Lake is nearly above timberline, but clusters of trees along its eastern shore provide a number of sheltered camping spots. The 2-miles of unmaintained trail leading off the John Muir Trail into Center Basin are still quite passable.

At one time the John Muir Trail was proposed to pass up through Center Basin, across 13,200-foot Junction Pass and connect to the Shepherd Pass Trail. The route was abandoned once a more direct trail over 13,153-foot Forester Pass was established.

Golden Bear Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Golden Bear Lake

Golden Bear Lake
Key Facts


Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Onion Valley, elevation 9,190'
Kearsarge Pass: 11,700' (2,510' climb)
Vidette Meadow: 9,190'
Golden Bear Lake: 11,200 feet (2,010' climb)
Hiking Distance: 14.1 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Best Campsites: Kearsarge Lakes, Vidette Meadow, Upper Bubbs Creek, Golden Bear Lake


sign to Golden Bear Lake, 14.1 miles

Wildlife

Bears in Kings Canyon have learned that most hikers use bear canisters and bear boxes to protect their food. However, there are no longer bear boxes around Kearsarge Lakes (2017), so hikers should be sure they have space in their canisters for all their food and scented items. Bears have been active all around Kearsarge Lakes and Vidette Meadow. Deer are fairly tame in the park and may wander past your camp, even as high as Center Basin. Rattlesnakes are usually not encountered above 10,000 feet, but hikers should always be wary. Off-trail travelers should be especially vigilant.

Mosquitoes are pesky early summer through mid-August. By late August and through September they are usually not a problem. Watch for marmots sunning on the rocks around Golden Bear Lake.

Note that fish are being removed from Golden Bear Lake, likely to protect the mountain yellow-legged frog habitat.


Center Peak and Golden Bear Lake, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Center Peak and Golden Bear Lake


Golden Bear Lake
Key Facts


Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Onion Valley, elevation 9,190'
Kearsarge Pass: 11,700' (2,510' climb)
Vidette Meadow: 9,190'
Golden Bear Lake: 11,200 feet (2,010' climb)
Hiking Distance: 14.1 miles
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Best Campsites: Kearsarge Lakes, Vidette Meadow, Upper Bubbs Creek, Golden Bear Lake


sign to Golden Bear Lake, 14.1 miles

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Onion Valley Trailhead

The Onion Valley trailhead for Kearsarge Pass and the trail to Golden Bear Lake is 15 miles west of Independence, off Highway 395. Independence is 43 miles south of Bishop and 225 miles north of Los Angeles. At the trailhead is a hikers' parking lot, vault toilets, bear boxes, and usually piped water. Bears frequent the area, so hikers are advised not to leave any food or scented items in their cars.

The trailhead is at 9,200 feet in elevation. The road is usually open from May through November.




Nearby Camping and Lodging

A campground is located right next to the Onion Valley trailhead and another is back down the road a short distance. For more information about these campground and others in the vicinity, see Inyo National Forest Campgrounds

Several motels are located in nearby Independence and north on Highway 395 in Big Pine. More motels are found to the south in Lone Pine. The best selection of motels and restaurants is in Bishop.

For those seeking lodging at a high elevation to help acclimate before the hike, consider Parchers Resort near South Lake, west of Bishop. The resort is at 9,200 feet elevation. They offer a variety of cabins at reasonable rates. A cafe is located on the premises.