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Farewell Gap Trail

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#passes#quiet#access-route
Distance
8 mi
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Farewell Gap is Mineral King's gateway south: four miles from road's end to the Franklin/Farewell junction, where the trail system opens toward the Kern country and Sequoia National Forest. A quiet two-day trip to a historic crossing.

Highlights

  • The junction country below Farewell Gap's granite
  • Access to the Kern and Little Kern drainages beyond
  • Wildflower slopes in early summer
  • A quieter corner of the Mineral King crowds

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Franklin Pass Trailhead (Mineral King) · parking: Franklin Lakes trailhead area at Mineral King road's end
  • Water: Franklin Creek and seasonal streams; treat all water.
  • Resupply: None; Mineral King has a small store in season.
  • Shuttle: Not needed for an out-and-back.
  • Stove required: yes — no fires possible on this route
  • 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

Stoves only. The Franklin/Farewell junctions sit near the Kaweah drainage's 9,000-ft fire line — plan on a stove. 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 gap holds snow into July in wet years.

Heat: Pleasant in the high country.

Bugs: Moderate along the creek.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The gap holds snow into July
  • Water is seasonal above the junction
  • 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). Farewell Gap Trail description, first allowed campsite at the Franklin/Farewell Junction (4 miles), and access to Sequoia National Forest trails.
  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 rules.
  3. 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.