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Atwell-Hockett Trail

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#meadows#giant-sequoias#stock-trail
Distance
20 mi
Elevation
6,604–7,287 ft
Days
3–4
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

The Atwell-Hockett Trail crosses a giant sequoia grove and climbs to Hockett Meadows, 10 miles of easy-to-moderate grades on the quietest side of Mineral King. Three days of meadow country, stock trails, and groves without the crowds.

Highlights

  • A giant sequoia grove on the approach
  • Hockett Meadows' broad flats at 8,500 feet
  • Old stock-trail grades that make the climbing gentle
  • Far fewer people than the Mineral King valley trails

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Atwell Mill Campground Trailhead (6,604 ft) · parking: Atwell Mill Campground on the Mineral King road
  • Water: Clover Creek and Hockett Meadow's streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Mineral King has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Bear canister required.

Permits

  • Agency: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
  • Reserve or apply on recreation.gov
  • Quota: Trailhead quota for the Atwell Mill entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Campfires allowed. Campfires are allowed in existing rings below 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage unless fire restrictions are in effect. Hockett Meadows sits near the line. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: July, August, September.

Snow: The Mineral King road opens late May; Hockett clears by July.

Heat: Warm on the lower climb.

Bugs: Mosquitoes in the meadows through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • A 20-mile round trip — plan three days
  • Mosquitoes in the meadows through July
  • Bear canisters are required

Sources & citations

Data compiled 2026 from public agency and reference sources. All descriptive text on this page is original; verify current conditions with the managing agency before your trip.

  1. SRTM90 elevation data (sampled). OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data) via Photon geocoding (OpenStreetMap). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-10. Trailhead and destination elevations sampled at geocoded coordinates; location from OpenStreetMap data (ODbL).
  2. Wilderness Trail Descriptions — Mineral King Valley. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/traildesc.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Atwell-Hockett Trail description, first allowed campsite at Clover Creek (6 miles), ten miles to Hockett Meadow, and giant sequoia grove along the route.
  3. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Wilderness Permits. Recreation.gov / National Park Service. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/445857. Accessed 2026-09-07. Quota season, fees, food-storage requirements, and fire rules.
  4. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS). https://www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/minimum-impact-restrictions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Camping and campfire restrictions across the parks.