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Eagle Lake

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#alpine-lakes#beginner-friendly#swimming
Distance
6.8 mi
Days
1–2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Eagle Lake is Mineral King's quick alpine swim spot: a 3.4-mile climb from the valley floor to a lake beneath the cirque of the western Great Western Divide. Short enough for an easy first overnight, close enough that day hikers make it too.

Highlights

  • A clear alpine lake in a granite cirque, reachable in half a day
  • Views down the Mineral King valley on the approach
  • Warm swimming by afternoon after the climb
  • A mellow springboard for Sawtooth Pass itineraries

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Mineral King Trailhead (road's end) · parking: Mineral King valley road end parking
  • Water: Eagle Lake and seasonal creeks; 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 Mineral King entries 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. 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: Mineral King road opens late May; the lake trail clears shortly after.

Heat: Warm on the lower climb.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lake through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The Mineral King road is long and winding — plan the drive
  • The lake is popular; arrive early for camp choices
  • 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. 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). Eagle Lake Trail description and first allowed campsite at Eagle Lake (3.4 miles).
  2. 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 prohibitions above 9,000 ft in the Kaweah drainage.
  3. Wilderness Regulations and Minimum Impact Restrictions. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (National Park Service). 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.