Sequoia and Kings Canyon wow spots

Sequoia: Mineral King

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 ($15 wilderness permit required; purchase at Mineral King Ranger Station), camp at nearby Cold Springs or Atwell Mill campgrounds, or stay at the rustic cabins of Silver City Mountain Resort on Mineral King Road.