Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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Trek into the wilderness and sleep in the backcountry
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Trekking to Lower Monarch Lake in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park

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

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

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

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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Couple in front of Columbine Lake
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Itinerary

Day One

Lower Monarch Lake
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
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.

Head home!

Camp to car: 4.75 miles - 200 feet of elevation gain - 3 hours

Black bears roam TNF all year, but keep your site clean & store food & scented items properly, and you'll rarely spot them. Learn more.
October 14, 2023

Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Visit Bewilder Basecamp, a family-friendly place to camp, bike, and play outside

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Bewilder Basecamp: Spooky Wonders

Join Bezzi the Yeti on her first spooky camping adventure!

Shop curated gear

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Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV

You won't be saving money, but you'll save space and weight with these camp sandals.

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REI Co-op Grand Hut 6 Tent

Sleepover! This is a tent you can stand up in and have plenty of space for air mattresses, doggos, and more.

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Camp Chef Everest 2 Burner Stove

A reliable, popular, and relatively affordable dual-burner camping stove that is fairly heavy, but performs well.

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FreeWheel Black Wheelchair Attachment

It's pricey, but the New York Times' Wirecutter recommended this attachment as a way for wheelchair users to navigate uneven terrain.

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Advantage Wallaby Wheelchair Down Under Catch All Bag

Instead of transporting stuff on your lap, use this storage bag to easily store items underneath your wheelchair.

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Purell Hand Sanitizer with Jelly Wrap Carrier

Never dig around your pack to find some hand sanitizer. Instead, hang this one on the outside of your pack.

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Mountain Laurel Designs Exodus 55L | 3500 CI

If you're an experienced backpacker, this is the lightest full-size, full-featured, frameless pack made.

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Ariceleo LED Battery Operated Fairy Lights

Add a little magic to your experience by hanging these twinkling lights around your tent every night.

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Coleman Camping Chair with Built-in 4 Can Cooler

Sometimes you just want a camp chair that gets the job done. Nothing glamorous or fancy. Well, this is it.

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Zpacks Duplex Tent

The more you backpack the lighter your shelter becomes, and the lighter it is, the more expensive it can be.

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Nemo Fillo Pillow

It's a heavier, bulkier pillow for ultralight backpackers, but you're guaranteed a good night's sleep.

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TETON Sports Polara Sleeping Bag

It's not the fairest of them all, but this affordable sleeping bag delivers on warmth and comfort.

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Meal and snack ideas

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Food For The Sole Blueberry Banana Crunch

Gluten Free • Vegan

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Packit Gourmet Diner Deluxe Eggs with Sausage

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Dessert

Campfire cinnamon roll ups

Vegetarian

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Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries

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Angie's Boom Chicka Pop

Gluten Free · Vegan

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Santa Cruz Organic Apple Sauce

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Summer rolls with almond butter satay

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Dan dan noodles

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Asian chicken lettuce wraps

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Pho ramen

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Curry ramen

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Peanut butter cheesecake overnight oats

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