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Monarch Lakes

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS)
Difficulty 30/100 · Moderateout and back#alpine-lakes#mineral-king#fishing
Distance
7.1 mi
Total gain
4,162 ft
Net gain
2,081 ft
Net loss
2,081 ft
Elevation
8,320–10,376 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Monarch Lakes is the quickest route to Mineral King's high country: 3.5 miles and 2,000 feet of climbing from the Sawtooth trailhead to a pair of granite-bound lakes beneath Sawtooth Peak. It is the classic first backpack for families heading up the Mineral King road.

Highlights

  • Two clear alpine lakes beneath Sawtooth Peak's jagged skyline
  • The Mineral King valley unfolding below as you climb
  • A convenient basecamp for day trips toward Sawtooth Pass

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Sawtooth Trailhead (Mineral King) (7,500 ft · parking: Sawtooth parking area near Cold Springs, Mineral King)
  • Water: Monarch Creek and the lakes; treat all water.
  • Resupply: 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 Sawtooth/Monarch entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. The lakes sit above 10,000 ft, where fires are prohibited in the Kaweah drainage. Stoves only. 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 upper lakes hold snow into July in heavy years.

Heat: Pleasant; the basin sits above 10,000 feet.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • The Mineral King road is slow and narrow — plan the drive
  • Stoves only: the lakes are above the Kaweah drainage's 9,000-foot fire line
  • Bear canisters are required

Map

Route track shown for reference only — navigate with map and compass. Track source: OpenStreetMap route relation 20997914 (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) (ODbL 1.0).

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. 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.
  2. Monarch Lakes Trail route relation 20997914. OpenStreetMap contributors. https://www.openstreetmap.org/relation/20997914. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: ODbL 1.0. Route geometry; distance and elevation statistics computed from this track.
  3. SRTM90 elevation data. OpenTopoData (SRTM, NASA/USGS-derived open data). https://www.opentopodata.org/. Accessed 2026-09-07. Elevation enrichment for computed gain/loss statistics.