Explore Sub-Alpine Landscapes at Mineral King

Follow the 28-mile winding Mineral King Road out of Three Rivers up to a beautiful valley at 7,500 feet. This area can be used as a basecamp for day hikes to lakes and alpine wonderlands. We suggest that you camp for a couple of nights at one of the Mineral King campgrounds and choose a day hike or two. Some hikes to consider are Monarch Lakes, Timber Gap, and Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trails. 

There are two campgrounds in Mineral King: Cold Springs Campground and Atwell Mill Campground. Both are small, first come, first served campgrounds with vault toilets. These campgrounds may fill on busy summer weekends. We recommend arriving on Thursday to secure a spot. 

The hikes described above are suitable for day trips, but wilderness permits are also available for many of the areas if you're interested in backpacking. 

Hiking at this altitude is strenuous. Gauge your hiking to the least fit member of your party. During the early summer, mosquitoes can be a particular nuisance. Marmots can cause damage to your vehicle, so be prepared to protect it. As in all areas of the park, it is best to carry water, as the purity of the lakes and streams along the trails cannot be guaranteed.

Details

Duration

1-3 Days

Activity

Hiking

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Please be aware that pets are not permitted on any trails at Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. However, leashed pets are allowed to be walked in developed areas like campgrounds, picnic areas, and along roads that are open to vehicle traffic. You may bring your pet to Mineral King, but you may not bring it along on the trails.

Qualified ADA-defined service dogs are allowed on trails in national parks. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA. For more information about ADA service animal requirements, please go to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Mineral King, Sequoia National Park

Mineral King is located in the southern portion of Sequoia National Park. To get there, drive on Highway 198 east from Visalia. Once you reach the town of Three Rivers, take the Mineral Kings Road, which departs two miles south of the Ash Mountain Entrance Station.

The Mineral King Road is extremely narrow and winding and is unpaved in some areas. Mileage from Three Rivers to Mineral King is 28 miles, but plan for the drive to take at least 1 hour. RV's, trailers, and oversized vehicles are not recommended.   

The road is open from late May through the last Wednesday of October, weather permitting.

Reservations

No

No reservations are required unless you plan to do an overnight backpacking trip. If this is part of your plan, a wilderness permit is required. We recommend reserving a wilderness permit in advance.

Season

Summer, Fall

The Mineral King Road is open from late May through the last Wednesday of October, weather permitting.

Time of Day

Any Time

Accessibility Information

ADA Information - While there are currently no accessible campsites, our parks are committed to creating sites in the near future.

Wheelchair Access - Campground roads are unpaved, rutted, and uneven.