Mineral King, Sequoia Nation Park

Three Rivers, California

Description

Non touristy, amazing getaway. The road to get to Mineral King from town is only about 24 miles, but it takes over an hour because of the winding road...RVs, you probably don't want to chance it. There are multiple amazing lakes that can be done as a day hike, an overnight backpacking trip, or a multi-day multi-lake hike. Incredible views!

The ranger station is at around 7,500 ft and from there, you have a few options for where to go. Most lakes are less than 10 miles each way...some as close as 4 or so...but there is a good amount of altitude gain so do not underestimate these. I've seen day hikers struggling to make it over the passes. Some options are Franklin lake, Monarch lake, Eagle Lake, Mosquito Lakes....

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Features

Camping

Fishing

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Easy Parking

Forest

Lake

Picnic Area

River

Romantic

Scenic

Waterfall

Wildflowers

Wildlife

Mineral King, Sequoia Nation Park Reviews

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Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Backpack to Franklin Lakes & Franklin Pass

Franklin Lakes is part of the Sequoia National Park and can be reached from the trailhead starting near the Mineral King Ranger Station. Bear containers are required and can be rented at the Ranger Station. The hike to Franklin Lakes campground will take 6 hours or less (depending on your speed/how much weight you're carrying) to cover 5.7 miles and will gain 2,500 ft in elevation.Ideally, it ...

Backpack in Mineral King

The trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Depending on where you're coming from I would recommend driving in and camping at Cold Springs Campground (which is also in close proximity to the ranger station) the night before you begin your trip. Day 1: In the morning you can either leave your car at the ranger station or drive a litt...

Hike to Lower Monarch Lake

The drive takes about 90 minutes to get to the trailhead from Three Rivers, CA so plan accordingly and make sure you get there early. Lower Mineral Lake is located below Sawtooth Peak in Sequoia National Park.Once you're parked and ready to jump on the trail, head to the Sawtooth Trailhead. You'll immediately feel your hear racing as you climb switchbacks for the fisrt 3/4 of a mil. When you co...

Backpack the Little Five & Big Five Lakes Loop

Day 1: A long, rewarding day. Over the course of 11.5 miles you will complete around 10,000ft of elevation change. To start, park the car at the Sawtooth-Monarch Trailhead (7500ft) and begin on the trail, immediately ascending to Timber Gap (9500ft). Once at the gap, the trail makes it's way down in to a Valley as it follows a series of endless switchbacks. After crossing creek, you will beg...

Backpack to Crystal Lakes

The trail to Crystal Lakes begins at the Timber Gap/Sawtooth Trailhead (7,800 feet elevation), which is located at the end of Mineral King Valley Rd. The trail immediately ascends through a meadow boasting dramatic alpine views and a roaring waterfall. Eventually you'll cross Monarch Creek and begin a series of switchbacks that leads you through a red fir forest. The trail then levels for a sh...

Camp at Buckeye Flat in Sequoia National Park

Entering Sequoia National Park at the Ash Mountain Entrance near the small city of Three Rivers, follow Highway 198 (Generals Highway) through the park until you see a sign for Buckeye Flat Campground off to the right. The campground sign is immediately after you see signs for Hospital Rock. Follow the small dirt road overlooking the beautiful Kewah River around a half a mile until you reach th...