Mineral King

Mineral King Road Construction and Closures 2025

During 2025, 2026, and 2027 there will be major road construction improvements on Mineral King Road. This narrow, curvy mountain road has been in need of improvements and repaving for many years. There will be closures and traffic delays on weekdays throughout the spring, summer, and fall. See the schedule and learn more about construction on Mineral King Road on the Road Construction page.

 

 

The Mineral King area is open seasonally from late May through October and closes in winter due to snow accumulation.

A steep, winding road leads to a place of rugged beauty: Mineral King Valley. Between 7,800 – 14,000 feet (2,377- 4,267 km) in elevation it’s the highest place you can go into both parks by vehicle. The Mineral King subalpine valley consists of both dense forests of pine, sequoia, and fir, with colorful granite and shale landscapes only seen from a distance in the other parts of the park.

Mineral King is located outside of the main boundaries of Sequoia National Park. Only trails connect Mineral King with the rest of the park. No roads cross the mountains west-to-east through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. If you plan on visiting, prepare for a full day-trip to explore the area.

 

Getting There

Mineral King is located outside of the main boundaries of Sequoia National Park. Only trails connect Mineral King with the rest of the park. No roads cross the mountains west-to-east through Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Those who are driving to the Mineral King area can access it via:

• Lookout Point Entrance (junction of Mineral King Road with Highway 198 in the town of Three Rivers, 2 mi/ 3.2km before the Ash Mountain Entrance)

Be prepared; there is no gasoline or electricity in this remote area. There are charging stations in the town of Three Rivers just outside the Sequoia park entrance and in the city of Visalia. The nearest location to get gas from Mineral King is:

• Three Rivers (Highway 198 to Visalia) – 30 miles (48.3 km), 1 hour 30 minute drive

Mineral King Road is extremely narrow, steep, winding, and unpaved in some areas. RVs and trailers are not advised and not permitted in the area's campgrounds.

 

High Marmot Activity Area

From spring through mid-summer, the marmots of Mineral King have been known to dine on radiator hoses and car wiring. They can disable a vehicle or even hitch a ride to other parts of the parks. The park recommends physically blocking marmots by driving over a tarp and then wrapping it around your entire vehicle if visitors plan on being in the area for more than a few hours. A limited number of tarps are available at the Mineral King Ranger Station. If you visit Mineral King, especially before August, check for possible damage when you return to your vehicle.

 

Visitor Centers

Mineral King Ranger Station

• The only facility within this area of the park. The next closest facility is Silver City Mountain Resort (3 miles/5 km, 10 minute drive).

• Get park information, trail recommendations, maps, local wilderness permits, first aid, and bear canisters. Wilderness permits are available on the porch of the station when it is closed.

• There is no food available at this visitor center. The next closest facility to get food is Silver City Mountain Resort (3 miles/5 km, 10 minute drive).

 

Campgrounds

Two seasonal campgrounds are available in the Mineral King area during the open season. Sites are for tent camping only. No RVs are allowed in Mineral King campgrounds.

Atwell Mill Campground

• Located a 15 minute (5 mi / 8 km) drive away from Mineral King Valley, this campground is situated along the East Fork of the Kaweah River in a once logged sequoia grove.

• Atwell Mill campground contains 21 tent sites. The Atwell-Hockett Trail begins here. The campground has no sinks and no flush toilets, pit toilets only.

• This campground closes in the winter due to snow accumulation.

Cold Springs Campground

• Nestled among amid aspen trees and conifers, the campground is located across from the Mineral King Ranger Station. The campground has no sinks and no flush toilets, pit toilets only.

• This campground closes in the winter due to snow accumulation.

For more information on camping in the parks, please visit our Camping page.

 

Black bears are common in Mineral King campgrounds. This bear was sighted at Atwell Mill Campground.

Lodging and Food

• Silver City Resort – Located outside of the Mineral King area on Mineral King Road, this lodging property has cabins and cottages available for rent. A small market has limited supplies and showers. There is no ice or gasoline at this location.

• The Silver City Restaurant - The closest location from the park to purchase food, this restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a popular selection of pie deserts.

Picnic Areas

Mineral King has one picnic area close to the Mineral King Ranger Station, where water spigots, vault restrooms, and exhibits can be found.

High Bear Activity Area

Bears are very active in the Mineral King area. To avoid an encounter, secure all food and scented items like soap, toiletries, or candles in the latched storage boxes or in the trunk of your car with the windows rolled up. Day use storage boxes are available at most trailheads and picnic areas. Do not leave any food or scented items unattended. Do not store any scented items in your car overnight; the bears will smell these items and break into your vehicle. Bear encounters in the park are not uncommon, be sure to research and know what to do if you encounter a bear in the parks.

 

Hiking

Mineral King holds wonderful secrets for the intrepid adventurer: crystalline lakes, stunning views from the peaks, and gushing waterfalls. Those wishing for a more relaxing, rustic vacation can take a lovely stroll through wildflowers and marvel at the snow-capped peaks all around. Mineral King holds incredible experiences for everyone, yet the best part is that you can also be completely alone. Some popular trails include:

• Cold Springs Nature Loop Trail
• Eagle and Mosquito Lakes Trail

Please note that the elevation in this area ranges from 7,000 to 14,000 feet (2,377- 4,267 km). Trails here are solitary, remote, and strenuous with intense elevation gains over short distances. Altitude sickness can occur, and trails may seem more challenging at higher altitudes. Hydrate, take breaks, research trail information before you go, and acclimate before engaging in strenuous activities.

 

 

Places to Go