Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes

Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry

Places we've visited and fallen in love with

Trekking to Lower Monarch Lake in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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Last updated

March 8, 2022

Trip · 3-day backpacking trip

For · Intermediate backpackers

Vibe · Challenging with huge rewards

Distance · 15.2 miles and 6,175 feet of elevation gain

Permits · Yep! Reserve a Sawtooth Pass wilderness permit

Drive · 5.5 hours from SF and 5 hours from LA

Ideal dates · June to October

Pets · Not allowed on trails

Mineral King is a glacial valley on the eastern side of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park (SEKI). Its unique Sawtooth mountain offers views of Yosemite to the west and Mt. Whitney to the east. The valley lies at 7,500 feet in elevation, and treks take hikers up to 12,000 feet above sea level. This is one high-altitude climb!

Directions To Trailhead

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Main image credit: Caroline Tegeler

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

When you request a wilderness permit, you may be required to set up a call with a park ranger to discuss your plans, preparedness, and the marmot situation before your permits are delivered to you electronically. A wilderness permit costs $15, plus $5 per person.
If you’re backpacking from June to July, you’ll need to wrap your car in heavy-duty tarp to protect from marmots eating your engine wires (I’m serious!) These creatures make a high-pitched squeak and can nibble on your tent, pack, and anything you leave unattended.
The final stretch to the trailhead is Mineral King Road, which has 398 curves in 25 miles! Make sure you’ve got enough fuel and take the curves slow.
You’ll be 11,000 feet closer to the sun than in SF, make sure to protect yourself with high SPF and some good sunglasses!
SEKI highly recommends storing your food in bear-safe containers. They’re available for rent at the park’s visitor centers. Learn more about food storage.
The terrain in this region can be very uneven, especially towards Columbine Lake. Trekking poles can be a lifesaver!

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Itinerary

Day One

Taking a dip in Lower Monarch Lake. Credit: Caroline Tegeler

Leave SF by 6:30 AM and drive to Sawtooth Pass parking lot

Start at the Sawtooth Pass Trailhead, about a mile past the Mineral King Ranger Station
Continue 4.2 miles to the first campsite at Lower Monarch Lake

Campout at Lower Monarch Lake

The Lower Monarch Lake backcountry campground is on the shoreline of the lake, where people can camp first-come, first-serve. Near the lake, there are about 8-10 flat spots that can accommodate tents, a food storage locker (shared with the entire site), and a pit toilet.
Snag a spot by the water and go for a dip!

Car to camp: 4.5 miles - 2,600 feet of elevation gain - 4 hours

Mineral King Valley was almost turned into a Disney Ski Resort in the 1960s, but the Sierra Club blocked its construction. Whew!

Day Two

View of Mineral King Valley. Credit: Caroline Tegler

Day hike to Columbine Lake

It's a 2.5 mile round-trip hike with 2,500 feet of elevation gain
Attach your permit to your tent, store any scented items, and pack a day pack to hike to Columbine Lake by ascending Sawtooth Pass.
The first 1.2 miles uphill from Lower Monarch Lake are on very unstable terrain (imagine ascending a giant sand dune) so trekking poles and a light daypack are recommended.
After heading downhill to Columbine for a good snack stop, make your way back over the pass to your original campsite for lunch by the water.

Afternoon trek and campout at Crystal Lake

In the afternoon, pack up your backpack and hike from Lower Monarch Lake to Crystal Lake by backtracking part of your route from Day 1
It's a 2.6 mile one-way hike with 960 feet of elevation gain
Take Lower Monarch Lake to Sawtooth Pass Trail to Crystal Lake Trail
At Crystal Lake, you can see remnants of a dam built by the Mt. Whitney Power Company between 1903 and 1905.
Crystal Lake is much more secluded and exposed compared to Lower Monarch Lake. This site has 3 spaces for tents by the lake, and no other amenities, but be rewarded with INCREDIBLE sunset views.

Camp to camp: 2.6 miles - 960 feet of elevation gain - 2 to 3 hours

Mineral King was originally used as a spot for camping, trading and hunting by the Wukchumni and Tübatulabal peoples. The valley got its name because gold and silver deposits were discovered there in the late 1800s.

DAY THREE

Sequoia National Park — Credit: Caroline Tegeler

Pack up and pack out before noon

Enjoy a bowl of oats at sunrise and hike downhill (finally!) to Sawtooth Pass parking lot

Grab a meal and a Michelada at Three Rivers Brewery

Located at 41763 Sierra Dr. in Three Rivers
Open everyday, except Tuesdays & Wednesdays | 11 AM - 9 PM
Three Rivers Brewery is a hidden gem with a back patio that looks over the Kaweah River. While you relax to the sound of wind chimes and rushing water, sit back and enjoy some food truck noms and unique brews. My favorite drink is their Michelada, or the olive-infused IPA.