Last updated: August 30, 2025
Thing to Do
Monarch Lake
Access to the Mineral King area via Mineral King Road closes for the winter in mid-November. Access typically reopens in later spring.
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet. There are bear food storage lockers at the lakes, along with a wilderness toilet. It is recommended to camp near Monarch Lakes if you do plan to backpack this route. Stock travel is not permitted on this trail.
Several features along this route include the Chihuahua Bowl, a basin with a rich mining prospect history, alpine meadows, and deep forest. You'll get amazing views of Timber Gap, the Great Western Divide, and Sawtooth Pass from several miles into your route. This route ends at Monarch Lakes, but you can continue as part of a longer itinerary onto the Sawtooth Pass Trail which takes you past Sawtooth Pass to Columbine Lake. Those who wish to camp at the lakes overnight will need a wilderness permit.
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes are gorgeous alpine lakes that lie at the base of Sawtooth Peak. You can hike this 10-mile route as a day hike or an as an overnight backpacking trip, but be aware that camping is only allowed several miles into your route. There is an elevation gain of 2,867 feet. There are bear food storage lockers at the lakes, along with a wilderness toilet. It is recommended to camp near Monarch Lakes if you do plan to backpack this route. Stock travel is not permitted on this trail.
Several features along this route include the Chihuahua Bowl, a basin with a rich mining prospect history, alpine meadows, and deep forest. You'll get amazing views of Timber Gap, the Great Western Divide, and Sawtooth Pass from several miles into your route. This route ends at Monarch Lakes, but you can continue as part of a longer itinerary onto the Sawtooth Pass Trail which takes you past Sawtooth Pass to Columbine Lake. Those who wish to camp at the lakes overnight will need a wilderness permit.
Safety
- Hiking at 7,500 feet and above is strenuous. Gauge your hiking to the least fit member of your party. During the early summer, mosquitoes can be a particular nuisance. 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.
Location
- The trailhead begins along Mineral King Road at the Sawtooth Trail parking area, 1 mile past the Mineral King Ranger Station.
Parking
- There is a small parking lot at the trailhead that is unpaved and potentially rocky. Parking may be limited during the busy season. Marmots can cause damage to your vehicle, so be prepared to protect it.
Details
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Reservations
No
Accessibility Information
This unpaved trail has an extreme elevation change with multiple switchbacks and some staircases. It is not considered wheelchair accessible.
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Mineral KingLearn more about features and trails in Mineral King.
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Sequoia National ParkLearn more about what features are within Sequoia National Park.
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Places to GoLearn more about the different places to go in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.