West face - South Ridge

From Summit Post:

Start from Onion Valley Trailhead and hike towards Robinson Lake. The trail climbs, relentlessly at times, for about a mile to a rise above Robinson Lake. Instead of dropping to the lake, leave the trail and head up the western slopes of Independence Peak. Loose talus is unavoidable, but there are also sections of solid rock that make the going easier. Eventually, with no harder than Class 3 scrambling, you should reach the south ridge about a quarter-mile from the summit.

Now the fun begins. If you stay on or very close to the crest you will get to play on some exposed Class 4 and even "easy" Class 5 sections en route to the summit block. If, however, things get too exposed or difficult for your taste, you can drop a bit on the east side and eventually work your way back up on terrain that should not exceed Class 3.

Great exposure on the ridge line with views of the town of Independence, Mt. Gould, Dragon Peak, and University Peak.  2 stars for the talus slope approach but great ridge line climbing make up for it.

Onion Valley Trail head.

Hiking Shoes