Getting Oriented
Mineral King Road is the only public access to the southern interior of Sequoia National Park. The road leaves SR-198 about three miles east of Three Rivers and climbs the East Fork Kaweah drainage, passing through Sequoia National Forest before entering the park at the Lookout Point boundary. The road dead-ends at Mineral King ranger station and trailheads at 7,500 feet.
Trail Overview
Twenty-five miles out-and-back, paved throughout. The first ten miles climb gradually through foothill chaparral and oak. The middle section enters the canyon and tightens, with the famous turn count concentrated in the upper 13 miles. The road is paved but only one and a half lanes wide in places, with significant exposure. The road is signed against trailers, RVs, and dual-rear-wheel pickups; rental contracts routinely prohibit it. Most drivers take 90 minutes one way.
Points of Interest
- Atwell Mill. Historic sawmill site with a USFS campground; the only sequoias along the road.
- Silver City. Privately operated mountain resort with cabins and a small store. The last commercial services on the road.
- Cold Springs Campground. NPS-developed campground at 7,500 feet at the road's end.
- Sawtooth Pass and Timber Gap trailheads. USFS hiking trails into the Mineral King high country, including Sawtooth Peak (12,343 ft) and the Great Western Divide.
- Black Wolf Falls. Short hike from the valley floor.
- White Chief Lake. Glacial lake at 11,000 feet, accessed by a six-mile day hike from the valley.
Where to Camp
Atwell Mill Campground (NPS-developed, on USFS-built historic district sites) sits halfway up the road in a sequoia grove. Cold Springs Campground (NPS-developed) sits at the road's end in the valley. Both fill quickly on summer weekends; sites are first-come, first-served. Three Rivers has private RV parks at the lower end. The road has no dispersed camping along its length.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Trip
- Plan for the season. The road closes from November through Memorial Day most years; snow closes the upper section into June some years.
- Marmots will damage your vehicle. Tarp wheel-to-roof during overnight stays in the valley; pre-cut tarps are available at Silver City Resort.
- Allow 90 minutes one way. The drive is the experience as much as the destination.
- Park entrance fees apply at the boundary inside the canyon. The standard Sequoia/Kings Canyon pass works.
- The Western Divide Ranger District (559-539-2607) handles current conditions on the USFS section; Sequoia & Kings Canyon NPs (559-565-3341) handles the park section.
- Cell service drops fast. Carry an offline map or a printed brochure.
