Trail head Location:
In Independence, turn west for 9.2 miles on Market Street which becomes Onion Valley Road. Continue for 4.4 miles to Foothill Rd. Turn left, drive for 1.3 miles to the fork in the road. Bear right for 2½ miles. Take the road which turns to the west. Drive 3.3 miles staying to the right at both forks in the road.  The trail head is well marked.

Dates open:
Usually from mid July  through October, depending on the snowpack.

Type of camp:
Backpack 9.6 miles on a very strenuous trail. Elevation gain is 6,350 feet in less than 10 miles. Some backpackers say this is the hardest hike in the Sierras. Highest elevation reached is 12,050 feet.

Permits:
Forest service wilderness permit. No campfires.

Comments:
Purify water, watch for bears and pack out all trash.