So headed to Onion Valley with the idea of climbing either Kearsarge Peak or University Peak. When I arrived at the parking lot, decided on University Peak- go big or go home! The way I was going to climb University Peak was to take the trail for Robinson Lake up to University Pass. The entry to the trail is not marked at all, looks like a campsite. The trail was completely flooded (making me think it was an actual stream- not trail) and I had to duck through a bunch of overgrown tree branches. In the process got my boots soaking wet--uggggh- should of just taken them off
After walking thru the stream 15 yards a clear trail was established. Bizarre that the hardest navigational part of the trip was finding the dang trail! Alas on trail and moving just after 9:30AM. I was able to make good progress for close to a mile before everything turned to snow - around 9,800 feet- at which point I put on the my snow shoes. From this point on just trudged uphill to Robinson Lake and then followed the direction of Independence Creek towards University Pass. At about 11,800 feet ditched the snow shoes for crampons and took the steep snow gully straight up to University Pass. The views from University Pass were phenomenal. Could not believe all the snow in Center Basin and beyond
This is gonna put a major damper in my summer backpacking plans
From University Pass to University Peak was snow free (few patches) and straight forward class 2 hiking. Took me about an hour+. The views from University Peak made the journey worth every step. Looked like there was a storm approaching so only stayed maybe 10+ minutes on the peak and got the hell out of dodge. Took me 3+ hours to get back to my car which was just after 7PM. The following day decided to get out of the snow, so hiked up to Olancha Peak. That was awesome, but not High Sierras awesome.
Snow Gully to University Pass (red arrow)
University Peak
Center Peak with Forester Pass behind (purple arrow)
View Towards Mt. Brewer
Mt. Keith loomin large
View Towards Vidette Meadow
Kearsarge Pass (red arrow)
Center Basin
Kearsarge Peak
