2 ways out to Independence from Kearsarge Pass?

[THE DITTFIELD]

Does anyone here have any knowledge of the 2 ways out to Kearsarge Pass? We are leaving a vehicle in Independence and was wondering which exit would be the shortest or make the most sense in order to get back to it. I/we didn't realize there were two ways out until very recently. Thanks in advance for any helpful replies.

[flemdawg1]

Looking at my map, the only way that I see is thru Onion Valley then down the road.

[flemdawg1]

Wait a sec, there are 2 trails off the JMT to Kearsarge Pass but they are only about 1/2 mile and 100 ft of elevation apart. One appears more hillside, while the other goes up the valley. The southern one skirts the northern edge of Bullfrog Lake. They both meet right before the Pass.

[flemdawg1]

100 meter in elevation difference not feet.

[Sly]

There's only one Kearsarge Pass Trail (the northern one). The other trail that leads into the KPT, near the pass itself, dips into and up from the Bull Frog Lake basin area, while the KPT stays high.

JMT 3.jpg

[Sly]

The KPT has seriously outstanding views!