Something about the bare granite bowl makes it less attractive than other lakes in the Sierra, but it is nonetheless a worthy destination. The right-hand trail ends at Mosquito Lake #1, 3.6 miles (one way) from the trailhead, but hikers and fishermen often continue up the drainage to the upper lakes. All around great hike, BEAUTIFUL, with just enough challenge and relaxation. the air quality here was surprising good at the time, even when the surrounding areas were really smoky. This trail forced me to lose myself and find myself. The rock part closer to the end is quite hot and exhausting in the current July heat but was a cool part of the hike. So we climbed more. There is also great wildlife on this trail. The huge majority of the elevation is concentrated in the latter two-thirds of the hike. The final mile is the most challenging. The trailhead is right near the Mineral King Ranger Station (on Mineral King Rd) in Sequoia National Park. Gauge your hiking to the least fit member of your party. It was HARD. The trail climbs to the Franklin Lakes and the Franklin Pass. Climbing down the boulder field felt more treacherous than climbing over it. Since I took a High Sierra Trail shortcut (Pants Pass) and skipped the hot springs two years ago, this was a good time to cover that section. Poles definitely help. I saw 5-6 deer, sooty grouses, a tarantula (eek!) It overlooks a beautiful valley has an insane Mountain View. It's really diverse going from soft ground in the forest to big rocks that requires small amounts of climbing. We saw marmots and deer. This trail is incredible! Once we turned at the sign to go right towards eagle lake was when our troubles REALLY started. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The lake is beautiful and very clear! Watch the weather. So, make sure to slow down for the blind corners. This trail is E.P.I.C! Mineral King is notorious for its thunderstorms, the weather can change in a matter of minutes. Mineral King Day Hikes Monarch Lakes. Please be aware that pets are not allowed on any trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. An alternative is to push a little longer on day one and hoof it all the way up to Pinto Lake (8,700 feet) in order to cut down on the haul the next day. My big piece of advice is be careful with the altitude. Hikers must drive to reach the Mineral King trails. Trail head is clearly marked with a couple of parking lots right near the trail head. Most beautiful hike I’ve ever experienced! Franklin Lakes Trail. The beautiful Monarch Lakes grace the Sierra in an alpine cradle beneath Sawtooth Peak in the Mineral King Region of Sequoia National Park. It has a dynamic and changing landscape. 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. Which was super fun but also very tiring! I guess we just got lucky. The 25-mile Mineral King Rd. As of October 1st Sequoia and Kings Canyon National parks are open and wilderness trips are allowed. First, for context I’d say I’m a 24 y/o newbie hiker in relatively good shape. It's unpaved, windy and narrow. ig: @harrishikers, Great trail. Whitney Power Company between 1903 and 1905. Mineral King is one of those rare, but fantastic little spots in a national park that is naturally protected from overcrowding simply because it is tucked away behind miles of winding and undulating roads. Whitney. It was a zen feeling. Saw a lot of people with wrapped cars for marmots but we just popped our hood up and we were fine. The 4.2-mile one-way hike is one of the easier Mineral King day hikes and takes you through meadows, red fir forests, and the Chihuahua Bowl. Hiking at this altitude is strenuous. Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016. This is almost all uphill, it was a challenge for sure but the views were worth it. Beware of the incoming smoke from the Creek Fire near Fresno, it was getting pretty bad as I was leaving and there was considerable ash falling from the sky. Day 6 hike map (pdf) The … Making the … Until I asked someone if the lake was worth it and they shrugged. You do have to scramble rocks a little but the views are amazing. It is well worth enduring the poorly maintained, 25-mile Mineral King Road to access this subalpine glacial valley; you will not be disappointed. 194 Miles. You have to scramble up rocks that seem never ending. Mineral King “ A challenging yet rewarding loop in the Mineral King area of Sequoia National Park, CA. As soon as we reached the lake, it was a serene quietness. The drive up to Mineral King is long and windy, and took about 90 minutes at a modest pace, so be prepared for that. Did this hike on 9/6. Monarch Lakes Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes lie at the foot of Sawtooth Peak, at the end of a 4.2 mile (one-way) hike. We also saw a black bear on this road on the way down. The Mineral King area of California's Sequoia National Park provides hiking access to some of the most spectacular high country in the southern Sierra. This trail provides many views of the rainbow-colored metamorphic rocks that attracted miners to this area in the 1870s, hoping to find silver. The lake is nice. Once we got to the trailhead/mineral king valley, it was beautiful! But if you’re good in higher altitudes this hike is truly beautiful, just quite the climb up but I believe it’s doable for moderately experienced hikers as well.

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