TRAIL PASS AND MULKEY PASS TRAILS provide access to the Pacific Crest Trail and the northern portion of the Golden Trout Wilderness /Kern Plateau. This area is characterized by gently rolling terrain with lovely sub-alpine meadows.

TRAIL SUMMARY
TRAILHEAD ELEVATION - 9,800 feet.
HIGHEST ELEVATION - Trail Pass @ 10,500 feet, Mulkey Pass @ 10,380 feet
TRAIL DIFFICULTY - Moderate.
SEASON - The trails are free of snow from mid-June to October in years of normal snowfall.

MULKEY PASS - TRAIL PASS TRAILHEAD
The trail begins at Horseshow Meadow Road. From Hwy. 395 in Lone Pine turn west on to Whitney Portal road in the center of town. Drive 3.5 miles to Horseshoe Meadow road and turn left. Continue 20 miles to the road end. The road is usually open from May to late October To reach these trails, follow the trail at the end of Horseshoe Meadow Road. At the junction ¼ mile from the road end, keep to the left. The Trail forks in another ½ mile. Trail Pass is to the right and Mulkey Pass is to the left. Park on the side of the road near the trailhead. Parking may be crowded on weekends.

Both of these trails provide access to the Pacific Crest Trail and the northern portion of the Golden Trout Wildernesss / Kern Plateau. This area is characterized by gently rolling terrain and lovely sub alpine meadows. Mulkey Pass Trail was constructed as a stock driveway to be used by cattle, in the summer it is dusty and dry.

The trails are free of snow from mid-June to October in years of normal snowfall. Summer days may be quite warm but night temperatures often drop to freezing or below. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer and fall. Snowstorms occur from September to May.

	Elevation	Miles
Trailhead	9,800
Trail Pass	10,500	1.5
Mulkey Pass		1.5
Mulkey Meadow		2.0
Bullfrog Meadow		3.0
Ash Meadow		4.0

EQUIPMENT
Good boots, raingear, and warm clothes are essential. Sunglasses, sunscreen (factor 10 or more), a hat and mosquito repellent are advisable.

WATER
Carry one day's supply of safe water. Giardia is a problem. Boil all drinking water three minutes. Many of the creeks may be dry by mid-summer.

BEARS
Many areas of the Kern Plateau and adjacent Sequoia National Park are popular with bears. Carry at least 50 feet of strong rope to hang your food using the COUNTER-BALANCE method. Check at the Ranger Station before starting your trip for current information on bear activity.

MAPS
Sierra South / Golden Trout Wilderness - Topo Inyo National Forest Map

TRAIL FACILITIES

An undeveloped camping area is located across from the Pack Station. Toilets and garbage cans are provided. No piped water. Creek water is available but should be boiled three minutes before use.

A PACK STATION services the Cottonwood Lakes Basin, Sequoia National Park and the Golden Trout Wilderness/ Kern Plateau.

PARKING
Available along the side of the road near the trailhead. Parking may be crowded on weekends due to the number of visitors.

FIRES
The use of gas stoves is strongly recommended. Where fires are permitted, use existing fire rings; do not build new ones.

DRINKING WATER
Creek water only.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Mt. Whitney Ranger District
P.O. Box 8; Lone Pine. CA 93545
760-876-5542

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