Sixty Lake Basin Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park

Sixty Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California
Sixty Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Sixty Lake Basin Backpacking

Kings Canyon National Park


Sixty Lake Basin

Adventures in Kings Canyon National Park

Remote Sixty Lake Basin is often bypassed by those hiking Kings Canyon's popular Rae Lakes Loop trail. A short side-trip from Rae Lakes, however, leads hikers into a wonderland of alpine lakes and creeks scattered among low granite ridges. Plan to explore the 2½-mile-long basin wandering cross-country from lake to lake. Expect rugged camping amidst rocky terrain, few trees, and spectacular views of surrounding peaks.

Sixty Lake Basin can be reached by backpackers from the east side of the Sierra via Kearsarge and Glen passes. The strenuous, 15.2-mile hike to Sixty Lake Basin is best spread over two or three days.

Sixty Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Sixty Lake Basin

Wildlife

Bears in Kings Canyon have learned that hikers use bear canister and bear boxes to protect their food. Consequently, although you may see bears around Vidette Meadow and Rae Lakes, they will pay little attention to you as long as you keep your distance. Deer are used to hikers and often venture near camps, especially at lower elevations. Rattlesnakes are rare along the trail, but hikers should always use caution. Off-trail travelers should keep their eyes open. For those making the full Rae Lakes loop and exploring side trails, be aware that the Gardner Basin trail is well known as a rattlesnake haven.,

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 Rae Lakes.

Sixty Lake Basin
Key Facts

Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Onion Valley, Eastern Sierra, elevation 9,190'
Kearsarge Pass: 11,700' (2,510' climb)
Glen Pass: 11,900' (1,300' climb from lowest point between passes)
Sixty Lake Basin: 10,800'
Hiking Distance: 15.2 miles (via Kearsarge Lakes)
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Best Campsites: Kearsarge Lakes, Charlotte Lake, Rae Lakes, Sixty Lake Basin


sign to Sixty Lakes Basin, 13.2 miles


Sixty Lake Basin, Kings Canyon National Park, California

Sixty Lake Basin


Onion Valley Trailhead, Inyo National Forest, California

Onion Valley Trailhead, Inyo National Forest


Sixty Lake Basin
Key Facts

Location: Kings Canyon National Park
Trailhead: Onion Valley, Eastern Sierra, elevation 9,190'
Kearsarge Pass: 11,700' (2,510' climb)
Glen Pass: 11,900' (1,300' climb from lowest point between passes)
Sixty Lake Basin: 10,800'
Hiking Distance: 15.2 miles (via Kearsarge Lakes)
Best seasons: Mid-summer to fall
Best Campsites: Kearsarge Lakes, Charlotte Lake, Rae Lakes, Sixty Lake Basin


sign to Sixty Lakes Basin, 13.2 miles

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Sixty Lake Basin Trailhead
Onion Valley

The Onion Valley trailhead for Kearsarge Pass and the trail to Sixty Lake Basin is in the Eastern Sierra, 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 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

Onion Valley Campground is next to the trailhead and offers 30 campsites which may be reserved: Onion Valley Campground Reservations. For other campgrounds in the area see Inyo County 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.