Shepherd Pass Trail
~3 days · 14 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Shepherd Pass Trail is known for
The Shepherd Pass Trail climbs out of the Owens Valley near Independence to 12,000-foot Shepherd Pass on the Sierra crest — the standard approach to Mount Williamson and one of the burliest trailhead-to-pass grinds in the range, gaining well over 5,000 feet with a dispiriting descent partway up. About 11 miles one way, typically done as a 2-3 day out-and-back with a night at Anvil Camp.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 20,709 ft to 39,514 ft over 14 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 9.6 mi · 69%
- Downhill 4.1 mi · 29%
- Flat 0.2 mi · 2%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Shepherd Pass Trail take?
Most backpackers hike the Shepherd Pass Trail in about 3 days (2 nights out) over its 14 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How high does the Shepherd Pass Trail go?
The Shepherd Pass Trail tops out near 12,051 ft over its 14 miles.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.