Introduction:
What? :
This is a 7.1 miles out and back hike that ascends 1700 ft of elevation on its way to the few lakes nested below the high University Peak mountain ridge.
The trail that is heading to Kearsarge Pass but it forks to the left and you will discover a few nice alpine lakes.
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Where? :
Located in the south eastern side of the high Sierra mountains.
Onion Valley is a small campground at 9.200', located at the end of a steep road winding its way up from Owens Valley at the small town of Independence (highway 395). The winding road gains more than 6,000' in 16 miles.
Just near the end of the road before the campground there is a large parking lot and the trailhead is nearby.
When? :
During the winter months (Oct-May) the road leading to Onion Valley is closed at Grays Meadows Campground as of snow accumulation and all the high elevation area is covered with deep snow.
I hiked here in mid June 2025 and the weather was great.
The recommended time to hike here is June to early October up to the first season snow storm.
Even with the high elevation Summer month can be hot so take enough water with you.
During the summer month thunder storms are common in afternoons. Try not to be in a high exposed location during nearby linings.
Due note 1:
Water: as you hike up water streams become abundant, you need to filter the water before drinking them.
Due note 2:
Most of the trail is exposed to the sun. Bring a hat, sunglasses and use sun protection.
Even during the warm summer months, come prepared for changing weather and have warm clothes with you.
Depending on the season mainly during early summer mosquitoes might be a problem, bring a face net and repellent.
Due note 3:
The trailhead has vault toilets, piped potable water, trash cans and bear food storage boxes.
Due note 4:
This is a popular trailhead but the area near the lakes is large and you will not feel it is crowded.
Due note 5:
No permit required for Day use hike.
Wilderness permits are needed year-round for overnight stay and you can get them at Eastern Sierra Inter Agency Visitor Center in Lone Pine. Dispersed camping near the lakes is allowed.
Due note 6:
For overnight stay you are required to store food items in bear-proof containers
Due note 7:
Camping: Walk-in campground available near the Trailhead. The place is very popular with backcountry people as a wilderness entry point. All sites can be reserved, and very often, they may fill up months in advance.
You need to stop at the Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitor Center (near Lone Pine) to pick up our permits.
Due note 8:
There is another hike that starts from the same trailhead, climbing up Kearsarge Pass and the nearby Golden Trout Lake Hike.
My thoughts:
Even though it is not a long hike (7 miles out and back) the first section of the trail is steep and difficult. But after this first section the trail climbs moderately to the lakes basin.
Here near Matlock Lake you can enjoy the nice scenery of the forest, lakes and the impressive cliffs of University Peak.
I wander around the lakes and enjoy my time here, when done hiking back was a fun hike.
The Hike:
The road leading to Onion Valley from Independence provides amazing view points of Owens Valley below.
The hike up to the Matlock Lake area is mainly one long climb uphill, starting with a steep first section and later a more gentle one.
From the parking lot trailhead walk up Kearsarge Pass trail, after a quarter mile you will see a well-marked left turnoff to Kearsarge Pass. Turn left and start the climb up.
The trail is heading in the direction of the creek on its north slopes.
After about 1.3 miles the trail follows closely the creek with a series of short but steep switchbacks.
After about 2.2 miles you will reach Gilbert Lake.
The trail circles the lake from its right side and a short hike after you will reach a clear trail junction.
Here the trail to Kearsarge Pass keeps straight and we need to take the left trail.
It crosses the creek and you can see another lake to your right, Flower Lake, this will be 2.5 miles from the TH.
The trail turns to the left and after a short not challenging climb you will reach the trail highest point, 10,667 ft, from here it is ascending to the lake basin.
First you will reach Matlock Lake, which is the largest of the lakes here.
The official trail ends and from here you will need to find your way to the other lakes.
This is not changing because the landscape is relatively flat and the forest is not blocking it.
You can walk on the east side of the lake to its far side and from there you can see the small Slim Lake, nested right below the impressive cliffs of the mountain ridgeline.
There is a hidden lake (Bench Lake) up the hill to the west of Matlock Lake but I did not hike there.
When going back you can pass near a few other lakes east of Matlock Lake.
After enjoying the view you can start hiking back.
This time it will be almost downhill so a lot less challenging.
Overall this 7.1 miles hike with 1,700 ft of elevation gain took me 4 hours to complete.
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