Take a scenic drive to Mineral King in Sequoia National Park for sweeping views and vistas of the East Fork of the Kaweah River and adjacent mountians. The road is not for the faint of heart, as it ascends in tight curves for 25 miles (1.5 hours one-way) along a steep, narrow road. No RVs or trailers are allowed.
The drive, while daunting, is well worth your time. At the end of the road you will be rewarded with the opportunity to hike or peer into some of the most stunning and accessible high country in the Sierra Nevada.
Mineral deposits and cool summer weather first drew development to the Mineral King Valley. When the mineral bonanza failed to materialize, the scenic beauty of the Valley continued to draw recreational enthusiasts to the area as a starting point for back country excursions and as a location to build summer cabins. The same recreational interests draw visitors today!
Mineral King road generally closes by November 1 and reopens for Memorial Day Weekend, weather permitting. During summer, a limited number of facilities and services may be available, including the Mineral King Ranger Station. Two campgrounds, Atwell Mill and Cold Springs, are available during the summer season and in early fall. Private lodging is located in nearby Silver City.
The following permits are issued from the Mineral King Ranger Station:
Atwell-Hockett Trail (from Atwell Mill Campground): Easy to moderate climb. Giant sequoia grove, meadows. 10 miles to Hockett Meadow. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Clover Creek (6 miles). Daily quota = 25 people.
Paradise Ridge Trail (from Atwell Mill Campground): Steep climb, hot and dry. Sequoia grove and vistas. 9 miles to Redwood Meadow. First campsite - Paradise Ridge (3 miles) no water. Daily quota = 15 people.
Tar Gap Trail (from Cold Springs Campground): Moderate climb. Lakes, forests, alpine vistas. 12 miles to Hockett Meadow. Access to trails beyond. Popular horse trail. First campsite - Deer Creek (4 miles) Daily quota = 25 people.
Mosquito/Mineral Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lakes and spectacular vistas. No campfires. Cross-country to upper lakes. First campsite - Mosquito Lake #2 (4 miles). Daily quota = 25 people.
Eagle Lake Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Steady, moderately steep climb. Lake and alpine vistas. No campfires. First campsite - Eagle Lake (3.4 miles). Daily quota = 20 people.
White Chief Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lakes and spectacular vistas. No campfires. First campsite - White Chief Bowl (2.5 miles). Daily quota = 25 people.
Farewell Gap Trail (Franklin Pass trailhead): Steep and strenuous climb. Access to Sequoia National Forest trails. No campfires. First campsite - Franklin/Farewell Jct. (4 miles). No entry limit.
Franklin Pass Trail (Franklin Pass trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lake and alpine vistas. No campfires. Popular horse trail. First campsite - Franklin/Farewell Jct. (4 miles). Daily quota = 30 people.
Sawtooth Trail (Sawtooth trailhead): Steep, strenuous climb. Rough, unmaintained trail beyond Monarch Lakes. Lakes, vistas, access to Glacier Pass, Big and Little Five Lakes. No campfires. First campsite - Groundhog Meadow (1 mile). Daily quota = 20 people.
Timber Gap Trail (Sawtooth trailhead): Moderately steep climb. Forest, lakes. Access to many trails. No campfires. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Timber Gap (2.2 miles). No water. Daily quota = 25 people.
