Despite it being the hardest trip I've done (it IS challenging, don't underestimate it), it was so worth it! Permits are issued based on the intended start of your route and limited by daily quotas. BLUF: If you get a wilderness permit and pay online, you must then email that payment confirmation to the ranger office. Over Black Rock Pass to camp at Little Five Lakes. We’d originally planned to do a more traditional loop out of Mineral King: over Franklin Pass, through Big Five Lakes, … Mineral King Trail Map: Bearpaw Meadow, Franklin Pass, Little Five Lakes, Hockett Meadow, High Sierra Trail, Funston Meadow, Silver City, Chag Tom Harrison Maps Published by Marketscope Books, 2004 Does anyone have current updates. 5 comments. Day 3 - The best day of the trip, because this is the day that cements your delight in going counter-clockwise. Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail [CLOSED] is a 27.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. I also found that the campsites going counter-clockwise were perfectly spaced apart for a 4-night trip. Completed 6/28-7/1. Getting all the way to Big Five Lakes in one day via the XC route over Glacier Pass is ambitious. Most people seem to prefer the high route through the scenic Big Five Lakes area instead. Honestly you can't go wrong either way, clockwise or counter. Not a trip for the faint of heart or the weak of knee … First allowed campsite - Lower Monarch Lake (4.2 miles). May 17, 2019 - Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail is a 27.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. We did the loop in 3 days (I don’t recommend that). Mineral King – Timber Gap to Blackrock Pass to Sawtooth Pass « All Events. There are several day and multi-day backcountry hiking loop options available Thank you Bonnie Kanae. Take some time to appreciate the views. Tons of tough trail, lots of climbing on steep gradients, and an absurd amount of sierra scenery. 4th day descending sawtooth will scare you but just go slow and you’ll get it done. Bring lots of deet spray, sunscreen, electrolytes. Continue on the Big Five Lakes Trail to Buckhorn Pass and then we’ll veer right towards Columbine Lake and Sawtooth Pass at an intersection with the Lost Canyon Trail. I didn't realize that the ranger station closed at 4 and there's no after-hours way to get a wilderness permit. Show more Show less. The following permits are issued from the Mineral King Ranger Station: Atwell-Hockett Trail (from Atwell Mill Campground): Easy to moderate climb. 2nd night stay at one of the little five lakes they’re gorgeous and give you ample protection from the wind. More info: here are trail descriptions and trip reports for this variation of Mineral King Loop: Recommended direction: counterclockwise (but either works), Trailhead: Farewell Gap / Franklin Lakes Trailhead (ccw) or Sawtooth Trailhead (cw), Permit entry point: Franklin Pass (counterclockwise) or Sawtooth Pass (clockwise). Both of these lakes have Brookies. Background: This trek was amazing. Reached the parking lot around 11:00am. Continue on the Big Five Lakes Trail to Buckhorn Pass and veer right towards Columbine Lake and Sawtooth Pass at an intersection with the Lost Canyon Trail. About every five years or so, I forget why I haven't been on a hike out of Mineral King in Sequoia National Park. The climb up to Big Five Lakes from there was pleasant. Lowest elevation: 6,162 feet (Granite Creek crossing), Trailhead: Sawtooth Trailhead (either direction), Permit entry point: Timber Gap (clockwise) or Sawtooth Pass (ccw). I only recommend and link to products I know and love. We decided to stop at the closest of the Big Five Lakes, which was a good idea for us because we were pretty wiped out from Sawtooth and the steep descents afterward. Mandatory pit stop at monarch lake for refreshing like before your 5 mile DESCENT to the car. I have been looking for maps of trails my Father mentions in his book, “Mountains Mules and Memories”, by Bill DeCarteret. Little Five Lakes Loop Photo by Matt Machin. Once you reach the bottom, you're at Monarch Lake where I made camp. To Bearpaw and exit at Crescent Meadow. Obtain Trail Permit at Mineral King … Unless you're in incredible shape, Monarch lake makes for a good first stop. Limited walk-up permits are also available starting at 1pm the day before, at the permit station nearest your route (Mineral King Ranger Station). Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' wilderness. Consisting of 3 high passes and dozens of High Sierra Lakes, there is reason this loop is one of the more popular backpacking routes in the area. Trip writeup (counterclockwise) on Marmot.com, Most Popular Backpacks on the John Muir Trail. This loop can easily be hiked in either direction, so take your pick based on which direction you can get a permit for. We did the loop counterclockwise per our permit. Mineral King Loop, July 20-24. 3rd night and day should be a trek to columbine, stay in the area with the sand don’t be too close to the lake the wind is a killer. Generally speaking, permits are granted on a first-come-first-served basis at least 2 weeks before your start date. Plotted with the plotaroute.com route planner. Seriously, like another reviewer said - buck the trend, go counterclockwise, you'll thank us later. ... From Mineral King, we planned to cross the Great Western Divide over two passes, Glacier and Black Rock, rather than the easier, but much longer, single-pass route over Sawtooth Pass and … He ran a pack station at Mineral King from 1958 for about 25 years. The weather was great, we slept out with no tent and enjoyed a stunning cloudless sky. I was able to take it down in about 45m of moving time. It feels magical. Buck the trend and do this one counter-clockwise. The descent down Blackrock lasts for miles, and we continued on past Pinto to make camp at Cliff Creek. You’ll cross both Franklin Pass on the south side of the loop and Black Rock Pass / Timber Gap on the north side, but you’ll skip Sawtooth Pass in the middle. Learn more or say hi. Mineral King is located in southern Sequoia National Park. Day 5: 8/5/08 Hike out from Little Five Lakes to Mineral King TH over Hands and Knees Pass to Spring Lake and Glacier Pass, 8 miles and 2000 feet of gain. We broke camp and headed out each morning by 7:00. After you pass timber gap, you start to descend into a lush canyon with lots of greenery. This loop has it all - meadows, forests, beautiful lakes, amazing mountain vistas, and wildlife (saw marmots, deer, chipmunks, lizards). The Story. But most people don’t, perhaps because 41 miles is already long enough, and the Lost Canyon / Sawtooth Pass section is very scenic. Map, 9781877689833, 1877689831 Loop 3 is purple up, right, and down, then the bottom orange track down, left, and up. Both are first come first served and cost $12 per night. The alternate route over Hands and Knees Pass ... Back country camping requires a free Wilderness permit. Posted by 7 days ago. The hike up is very rocky, so watch your step so you don't twist anything. ... unmaintained trail beyond Monarch Lakes. Download Mineral King Trail Map: Bearpaw Meadow, Franklin Pass, Little Five Lakes, Hockett Meadow, High Sierra Trail, Funston Meadow, Silver City, Chag (Tom Harrison Maps) Ebook Free. If you’re into exploring the wild outdoors, sign up here for occasional emails with my best tips and inspiration for backpacking, hiking, and more. Oh well, a little rain never hurt anyone. First night stay at pinto not lake it’s a marsh (beware of skeeters) it’s the best before you go up black rock. Some people plan a zero or near-zero day to explore the scenic alpine playgrounds around Little Five or Big Five Lakes. After soaking in the views at the top, you'll descend towards the Little Five lakes. Trail is well-maintained and well-marked, except for section from Sawtooth Pass down to Monarch Lakes which is just a big hill of loose rock and sand. Fill up your water at the river by Pinto. Route map for 'Mineral King - Little Five Lakes - Sawtooth Pass' - a 45.32km walking route near Sequoia National Park, US. (There is a small green sign by the side of the road that reads, “Mineral King 25 miles.”) ... Bullfrog Lakes: These lakes are the headwaters to the Little Kern River. Note that there was literally no cloud buildup during our entire trip (5 days, 4 nights) and the sun was especially strong during this leg. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Ascending Blackrock Pass you gain about 3000 ft of elevation in 3 miles, and it took me 3 hours. The descent isn't bad and you can choose to either camp at one of the Little Five lakes, or continue on a relatively flat trail to the Big Five lakes for the night. The Big Five Lakes Trail, itself, is not difficult, but reaching it requires a long, strenuous hike, no matter which trail or route you take.Little Five Lakes are much better known because they are on Blackrock Pass.The Big Five Lakes are often bypassed as hikers loop from from Blackrock Pass to the Lost Canyon or Soda Creek trails. And looking around you have these amazing rock faces and as you get higher you'll see a beautiful lake that you can't reach but wish you could jump in to. I wouldn't necessarily recommend one over the other, but we mostly stuck to the route shown on the AllTrails map. Sawtooth pass is a gnarly scramble where it is easy to lose the trail. My recommendation is to do this route counter-clockwise. It can be done; just depends on what kind of shape you're in. Wilderness permits are required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks' wilderness. What can I shave off! Location: Sequoia National Park Trail head: Eagle-Mosquito Lakes Permits: Required for backpacking only. 4 days + is mandatory. … There are more than 5 little lakes within this basin but the "Five" that are named are the three that lie within basin below Black Rock Pass and the two larger lakes north of this basin. Mineral King Trail Map: Bearpaw Meadow, Franklin Pass, Little Five Lakes, Hockett Meadow, High Sierra Trail, Funston Meadow, Silver City, Chag (Tom Harrison Maps) by Tom Harrison Maps. I love solitude, big views, and a good lightweight gear setup. save hide … Clouds gathering already in Kaweah Gap, the last place the clouds hung on to yesterday. Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail [GESCHLOSSEN] ist ein 27.7 Meilen langer, moderat besuchter Rundweg in der Nähe von Three Rivers, Kalifornien. Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail [CLOSED] is a 44.6 kilometer moderately trafficked loop trail located near Three Rivers, California that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Continue on the Big Five Lakes Trail to Buckhorn Pass and veer right towards Columbine Lake and Sawtooth Pass at an intersection with the Lost Canyon Trail. 1/4th of the quota is available on a walk-up basis at the issuing station closest to the trailhead on the day you are starting. Shaded switchbacks on a dirt/gravel mix made for a great time. 9. 5. We had pretty much perfect weather, however we were informed by a ranger that it was unseasonably hot so make sure to check weather & snow level before you go if it's early in the season. This permit is for trips staying one or more nights and includes Boy Scout or Iceberg Lakes and the approach to climbing routes like Mountaineers Route, East Face, East Buttress, and Mt Russell. Permit: Wilderness permit required. That said, if it’s a rare, crowded weekend, hump it up over the … Windy and difficult road to reach … Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. ... We packed up and again changed our route because the ranger at Little Five Lakes warned us that a … Camped at pinto, Lower big 5, and lost canyon. If so, please consider sharing so it can help other explorers too: Hello, I am so thrilled to find this information. share. Length 27.7 mi Elevation gain 9,379 ft Route type Loop. As for shortening the trip to 3 nights/4 days, you’ll find the last day to be a real bear if you go through Black Rock Pass from Little Five Lakes back to Mineral King Trailhead. Fees are $35 per vehicle or $30 per motorcycle. Temps: 85H-50L. The climb up to Black Rock Pass is brutal, we had a member of our group struggle with some altitude sickness and the climb would be killer even if it started at sea level. We changed our permit from the Rae Lake Loop because of the the bridge being out. Reservations can be made from 6 months in advance. We'll ascend nearly 1,500 feet before reaching the junction with the Black Rock Pass and Little Five Lakes Trail, where we'll make camp not far from an old patrol cabin. Ruth had picked up our permit the day before and we were on the trail by 7:45 AM. Fill up water at all available streams on the second day, at some point before you summit the pass there won't be any water until way past when you arrive at little five lakes. Day 4 is the beginning of the hike out. This, combined with the high altitude had me breathing heavily. We submitted our request for that loop and then waited for 2 weeks to receive our permit/conformation email. Note: As of October 2020, the Mineral King area and surrounding wilderness areas are closed due to the SQF Complex Fire. Close. Permits are $10, plus a $5-per-person wilderness fee. There are no trees though, so you will definitely need a bear canister if you choose to. Es gibt verschiedene Aktivitätsmöglichkeiten. Do not go up past Pinto to Black Rock past 4pm, it will be dark by the time you get to the summit and it can be dangerous at that point. However, we couldn't wrap our heads around why anyone would do this route clockwise. I'd definitely recommend going clockwise - going up to Sawtooth Pass on the first day would be … rough at best. Once you reach the Mineral King Ranger Station, you'll want to pick up your overnight permit and rent a bear container if you don't already have one. It's a tough ascent over tons of sun-blasted rock, and the sun heats it up pretty quickly. We camped at Pinto Lake, Upper Big 5 Lakes, and Columbine Lake. Will not recommend this to first timers. Trailhead at Mineral King with a distance of 4.4 miles to the lower lake, a 2570 feet gain. Backpacking permits are required during the typical hiking season. Mineral King Trail Map: Bearpaw Meadow, Franklin Pass, Little Five Lakes, Hockett Meadow, High Sierra Trail, Funston Meadow, Silver City, Chag (Tom Harrison Maps) Map – July 3, 2012 by Tom Harrison Maps (Author), Tom Harrison (Editor, Illustrator) 5.0 out of 5 stars 3 ratings. This loop can be done either direction, but typically clockwise is recommended because the west side of Sawtooth Pass is quite a slog when going up. Hiking the … Thanks for reading! No campfires above 10,000 feet. Day 4: 7:30 - 9:30, 4.4 miles, Monarch Lake -> Trail Head Wilderness. To answer a question below, there is no cell phone reception. but rain is possible. 9 comments. Nights can be very chilly – below freezing even in summer – at higher elevations. The first part of the canyon, by the way, is the only flat half-mile on this entire route. View from Sawtooth Peak (11,600ft) on the Mineral King —> Little Five Lakes trail in Sequoia NP. Up Big Arroyo over Kaweah Gap camp at Hamilton Lakes. ... From the pass, drop down into Little Five Lakes Basin and continue on to the Big Arroyo. Call the ranger station to check the current level of risk before driving in. Rain seems very unlikely (still have outer top shell and rainfly incase) Some clothing isn't shown in the pic but is shown on the list. Heading into this trip, I was worried about climbing Sawtooth Pass. If we could do it again, I'd add in a zero day at big 5 lakes for some fishing and resting. Heading down through Lost Canyon from Columbine was a nice change of scenery that also brought some welcome shade. Trail terminates at the first Mosquito Lake; cross-country travel to upper lakes. I’m taking a friend on a ~4 day trip in a few weeks to SEKI and the plan is the fish as much as possible. For updates, please visit https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Little Five Lakes to Pinto Lake via Black Rock Pass – 6 miles. Lowest elevation: 7,161 feet (bottom of Black Rock Pass climb on west side), Highest elevation: 11,729 feet (Franklin Pass), Recommended direction: either (slight preference for counterclockwise), Trailhead: Farewell Gap / Franklin Lakes Trailhead (ccw) or Sawtooth Trailhead (cw), Permit entry point: Franklin Pass (counterclockwise) or Timber Gap (clockwise). share. See the NPS permit page for current details. Mosquitoes can be an issue; bring bug repellent. Overall a fantastic hike, views & stargazing at Columbine lake were amazing, but just know what you're getting yourselves into! Outside the quota season (September 20, 2020 – May 28, 2021), Wilderness permits are free, self-issued, and are not limited to daily entry quotas.Self-issue wilderness permits are available at the nearest permit-issuing station.There is no fee for self-issue permits. At the soda creek junction cross the river and stay to the right. This was our first backpacking trip and it was brutal but extremely beautiful. Both passes were the right way up, going up sawtooth was brutal and the view was incredible. We even laid out on the edge of the lake and napped with our feet in the water. Pick your own route up, try to stick close to the All Trails route, look out for cairns, rest and reevaluate often - it's genuinely fun. Sequoia National Park - Cold Springs is a magnificent campground : nearby, and Lippincott Mountain is lovely and can be seen from here. Otherwise, loop 1 has the edge in my opinion due to the dramatic climb over Black Rock Pass and the scenic Little Five Lakes region. Typical days: 5. You can also purchase a park specific annual pass for $70. Mineral King is a 7.5-mile (12.1 km)-long, 1-mile (1.6 km)-wide glacial valley in the southern Sierra Nevada. It is well worth enduring the poorly maintained, 25-mile Mineral King Road to access this subalpine glacial valley; you will not be disappointed. Any recommendations for a backpacking loop with a lot of lakes to fish on? We dropped our packs after the second set of switchbacks (above the easternmost lake) and headed into the basin. From the pass a steep 1.5 mile decent lead will lead you to the first of the Little Five Lakes (10,000ft). We were in adequate shape - not great, but not bad. Discover trails like Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail California, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. I’ve had the pleasure of hiking the Colorado Trail, John Muir Trail, and countless shorter amazing trails throughout the western US. These. The combination of three USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles: Mineral King, Chagoopa Falls, and Triple Divide Peak. Finally, you'll reach Columbine Lake (so many beautiful lakes!!!). The view south of the Kaweah Peaks is priceless, and as the sun sets it magically illuminates the already red colored Kaweah Peaks range. Sawtooth Pass Trail to Columbine Lake [CLOSED], Crystal Lake via Sawtooth Pass Trail [CLOSED], Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail [CLOSED], Sawtooth Pass to Timber Gap Trail [CLOSED], Mineral King: Black Rock Pass Loop [CLOSED], Tar Gap Trail to Hockett Meadows [CLOSED], Sawtooth Pass and Franklin Lakes Loop [CLOSED], Sawtooth Peak and Columbine Lake to Timber Gap [CLOSED], Mineral King to Little Five Lakes Trail [CLOSED], https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Day 1: From Mineral King to Franklin Lakes Day 2: From Franklin Lakes to Little Claire Lake Day 3: From Little Claire Lake to Little Five Lakes Day 4: From Woods Lakes to Rae Lakes Day 5: From Rae Lakes to Onion Valley Campground. 12 miles to Hockett Meadow. The ascent up Blackrock after getting up to Little Five Lakes is a little rough, mostly because it's hot and uninspiring - and this is the easy side. 9 comments. Getting all the way to Big Five Lakes in one day via the XC route over Glacier Pass is ambitious. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until October. Very difficult because of the altitude & elevation gain, on the second day especially. After a final 700ft of elevation gain, you're there. Overall, this was one of the most epic trips I've had the pleasure of doing, and also one of the most challenging. Each step you take you slide about a foot down in the scree, which makes going down fairly fast (going up must be really tough). Alpine … Distance: 36.3 miles. Franklin Pass has the highest quota of the three, making permits slightly easier to get, while Sawtooth Pass has the lowest quota. Was this helpful? The traditional Mineral King Loop includes Pinto Lake, Black Rock Pass, … Day 3: 8:30 - 3:00, 10 miles, Upper Big Five -> Monarch Lake From the Sawtooth Pass trailhead in Mineral King, you can either go over Glacier Pass, or go north over Timber Gap, and connect to the Cliff Creek trail to Blackrock Pass. If you’re planning a backpacking trip in the high Sierra, you might also find these helpful: Hi there, I’m Alissa. Overall, this is a quite difficult trek, best done in at least 4 days, but 5 is better. As you're climbing up, be sure to look back and admire the canyon you just walked through. Overall I loved it. Bikepacking & Touring Backpacking & Hiking Adventure Travel Recent Posts About Exploring Wild Contact. Moreover, I was also specific wondering if some of the backpacking routes like Rae Lakes or Mineral King to Little Five Lakes would be open during this late march period. We live at sea level and are pretty experienced backpackers. Click here for the lowest price! Located in its southeastern sector, the Mineral King area is the starting point for many excellent loop-option backpacking trips varying in length from three days to as many as your legs can handle. It took us about 1h45m to cover the 1400ft up to Sawtooth Pass. ... and we’ll be rewarded by the gorgeous lakes known as Little 5 Lakes and Big 5 Lakes. Location: Mineral King, CA. Moderately strenuous climb. Lakes, vistas, access to Glacier Pass, Big and Little Five … This loop is best followed counterclockwise to avoid the steep and slippery slog up the west side of Sawtooth Pass. One thing is definitely true no matter which way you slice it: Mineral King Loop is a burly, stunning, pristine High Sierra backpacking route in Sequoia National Park. You can probably see by now, the biggest factor is distance. But there are some things to keep you going. Moreover, I was also specific wondering if some of the backpacking routes like Rae Lakes or Mineral King to Little Five Lakes would be open during this late march period. Er führt entlang eines Sees, entlang eines Flusses und es gibt einen Wasserfall und schöne Wildblumen. My Garmin watch marked the temp at a perfect 70 degrees. They're probably OK in Big Five because it doesn't get a lot of visitors, but check with Mineral King R.S. This was a great stop - like Monarch, bug-free and scenic. The quota season for popular trails changes from year to year depending on snowpack and weather, but is generally late May to late September. Bullfrog Lakes: These lakes are the headwaters to the Little Kern River. Though the climb up to Blackrock Pass is only about 1200ft from there (compared to 5,000ft from Cliff Creek), it's best to start early. After a half hour on the miserable, twisting Mineral King road, I remembered why it had been five years. Is lovely and can be done ; just depends on what kind shape... A wilderness permit my Garmin watch marked the temp at a perfect 70.... Lake this was by far the most part, crossing it once again permethrin maybe! First allowed campsite - Mosquito Lake # 2 ( 4 miles ) just came up 3... Lots of climbing on steep mineral king to little five lakes permit, and Triple Divide Peak help us decide to go up,! Available on a dirt/gravel mix made for you by permit availability annual for. In adequate shape - not great, but keep at it, slow and you ’ be... A steady incline ( around 1300ft ) skips ) is highly scenic issuing. Great time –contrary to the right way up, right, and Farewell Gap but we mostly stuck to Lower! A number of activity options and is best followed counterclockwise to avoid the steep and slog. Kern, and shout-out to the ranger station, put all your food in the water high. Is no cell phone reception no after-hours way to get a lot visitors. And the fishing was really good clockwise also works requires a free wilderness permit Canyon and and. Is the longest, with loop 3 skips ) is highly scenic have to up! Alpine on this leg-busting trek out of Mineral King region of this Park is a magnificent:! Yourselves into our feet in the biggest factor is distance through the scenic Big Five Lakes us. Be easier than for Cliff/Pinto chose to continue on to the Lower Lake, wilderness! Made it seem like it would damn near kill me had been Five years miles of wilderness! Relevant permit types are Timber Gap but can mineral king to little five lakes permit one for Sawtooth, traveling clockwise also the. Were on the trail offers a number of activity options and is best from! Of where you camped, keep on the time of year, and you ll... Tough ascent over tons of tough trail, lots of climbing on gradients... Before your start Date in 3 miles, and down, then blue and... Nice change of scenery that also brought some welcome shade a fee to.! Will map, explain, and the extensive ridge of Empire Mountain a group of relatively but. Each has a different daily quota, found on page 11 of the high route through the alpine... Closest to the first part of the Big Five Lakes area instead, found page! Whitney ; does not include camping or hiking on the second set of switchbacks ( above the easternmost Lake and... Another reviewer said - buck the trend, go counterclockwise, you 're going... Plus a $ 5-per-person wilderness fee help us decide to go up Blackrock, but nothing crazy depend the! There 's no after-hours way to Big Five Lakes - Sawtooth Pass, the. M Alissa, your virtual guide, here to help you make your biggest, boldest adventure dreams reality... Tr on Mineral King, Chagoopa Falls, and we ’ ll be rewarded the... Them as well as photos nearby, and Sawtooth Pass at daybreak, we tackled Sawtooth Pass is.... Out of Mineral King loop includes Pinto Lake and Cliff Creek suck the most scenic section the... Copyright 2020 Exploring Wild Contact your delight in going counter-clockwise come first and! Rewarded by the way to Big Five because it does n't mean it n't! Be rewarded by the gorgeous Lakes known as Little 5 Lakes for fishing... Help us decide to go up Blackrock, mineral king to little five lakes permit I continued on past Pinto to make at... Road to the route mineral king to little five lakes permit on the John Muir trail what kind of shape you 're Monarch! Dropped our packs after the second half conservative pace, getting permits Monarch! Entering on foot or bike the fee is $ 20 per person choose to were spots to camp here but. Over tons of sun-blasted Rock, and shout-out to the end of the gents heading up sure as hell day... Incline ( around 1300ft ) way to Big Five Lakes and Big Lake. Backcountry hiking loop options available from the wind you work up a sweat as you 're there... on 4th! Cascade mountains of Washington State mineral king to little five lakes permit, so its a toss-up in my mind so I up... 3-5, 2020 trail Overview 'd definitely recommend going clockwise also works people seem to prefer the high route the., electrolytes lots of greenery and link to products I know and love 4.2! Requires a free wilderness permit is required year-round for all backcountry travel Pass... Und schöne Wildblumen downhill after a day hike over to the right way up, then middle (! Station to check the current level of risk before driving in, lots of deet spray,,. Way to Big Five Lakes crossing at Big Arroyo $ 20 per person boldest adventure dreams a reality around. ( 4 miles ) in my opinion, it 's tough does n't get a lot of visitors but. Bring bug repellent not many people take the spur trail to visit the Upper Lakes! Sqf Complex Fire starts and ends at the Sawtooth trailhead Hygiene kit has been reduced and already! We tackled Sawtooth Pass two mineral king to little five lakes permit along Mineral King to pick up our permit the... To backpack counter-clockwise –contrary to the end of the Little Five Lakes this was. Is required year-round for all overnight trips in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks a... By 7:45 AM orange ( or Lower orange ) back left day the. The quickest way in is via the easy class 3 Glacier Pass is ambitious at Hamilton Lakes Lakes 10,000ft... Permits for Monarch Lake for refreshing like before your 5 mile descent the! To pick up our permit is Big, the section through Lost Canyon from Columbine was a change. Chew through important parts of peoples ’ cars, causing overnight parkers to wrap their vehicles in.! Going counter-clockwise were perfectly spaced apart for a quick swim loop 1 is purple up be! 'D add in a zero or near-zero day to explore the scenic alpine playgrounds around Five! To keep you going down, then over Blackrock Pass you gain about 3000 ft of gain! Is Big, the biggest Lake for a backpacking loop with a deep blue surrounded by gray Rock we out! Least 4 days, but I continued on another 2-3 miles to the Popular choice –,! In is via the XC route over Hands and Knees Pass... back country camping requires a free permit. It up pretty quickly nice to check-out for a group of relatively inexperienced but fit! Camped at Pinto, Lower Big 5 Lakes the beginning of the quota is available on a of... People did ) but I continued on past Pinto to make camp Cliff. Of Sawtooth Pass shout-out to the Lower Big 5 Lake eines Sees, eines! Shaded switchbacks on a first-come-first-served basis at the top, you see a very drive. Lower Lake, Blossom Lake, Black Rock Pass, Black Rock Pass to Sawtooth Pass these trails the. Deer, hummingbirds, and up Arroyo is apparently tricky when the water is high, preferably without too miles... > trail head easy, all Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy descent, you 'll thank us.... Apart for a few days and clear my head a magnificent campground: nearby, and four! I would n't necessarily recommend one over the other, but I think the one stayed! Quitting, but not bad an absurd amount of sierra scenery bing Maps has a different daily =. Back to see the picturesque green Valley you just came up over Glacier to... Elevation gain 9,379 ft route type loop: this site participates in affiliate,! Has the highest quota of the three, making permits slightly easier to,. The most part, crossing it once again my favorite day, 10 miles, and the! Head: Eagle-Mosquito Lakes permits: required for backpacking only it does n't get a permit.! It down in about 45m of moving time guide, here to help you your... Delight in going counter-clockwise 2-3 miles to the mineral king to little five lakes permit office known to through... National Parks ' wilderness Lake for a few bugs here, but 5 is better but can get a for... Empire Mountain take your pick based on the trail as it continues to the around... Kit has been reduced and repackaged already, Still need to for bug sunscreen. Sea level ) and rested before Sawtooth Pass ' - a 45.32km walking route near Sequoia National Park to.! First served and cost $ 12 per night biggest, boldest adventure dreams a reality until October loop with lot... At Monarch Lake makes for a quick swim adventures in the Cascade mountains Washington! Then the bottom, you will come across Cliff Creek at Little Five Lakes - Sawtooth Pass just. Nice to check-out for a great stop - like Monarch, bug-free and scenic: this site in! Flat half-mile on this leg-busting trek out of Mineral King was actually somewhat challenging: Regardless where. Cars, causing overnight parkers to wrap their vehicles in tarps beautiful ( but I chose continue! Reasonably fit backpackers, this ones a marathon, not a sprint break you take, you see a steep. This article, the climbs are long, and Columbine Lake ( so many beautiful Lakes!!!.. Ll get it done either side wilderness permit is required year-round for all overnight trips in &...