Think of this as Sequoia’s secret: a hidden valley up at 7,500 feet reached by a winding 28-mile road. It’s a trek, but you won’t be sorry when you get there—Mineral King is gorgeous.
For moderate hiking, take the 4.5-mile one-way trail to Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes.
You can backpack to camp here (wilderness permit required--cost is $10 plus $5 per person; purchase at Mineral King Ranger Station or online at https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilderness_permits.htm), camp at nearby Cold Springs or Atwell Mill campgrounds, or stay at the rustic cabins of Silver City Mountain Resort on Mineral King Road.