calipeaks.com

Mosquito Lakes

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#alpine-lakes#cross-country#quiet
Distance
8 mi
Elevation
7,884–9,911 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

The Mosquito Lakes are Mineral King's most literal destination: a chain of high tarns so buggy in July they named the trail after them. Four miles up from road's end, with the alpine country above reached cross-country — a quiet, strenuous overnight.

Highlights

  • A chain of alpine lakes at 10,000 feet
  • Cross-country routes to the upper lakes for scramblers
  • Views down the Mineral King valley
  • Fewer people than the neighboring lake trails

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Mineral King Road End Trailhead (7,884 ft) · parking: Mineral King valley road end parking
  • Water: Mosquito Creek and the lakes; 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 lakes sit above the Kaweah drainage's 9,000-ft fire line — 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.

Heat: Pleasant at 10,000 feet.

Bugs: Mosquitoes at the lakes through July — the name is earned.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Mosquitoes are legendary at the lakes in early summer — bring a head net
  • Routes to the upper lakes are cross-country
  • Stoves only — the lakes are above the fire line
  • 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/conditions.htm. Accessed 2026-09-07. License: Public domain (US government work). Mosquito/Mineral Trail description, first allowed campsite at Mosquito Lake #2 (4 miles), and cross-country access to the upper lakes. Listed under Wilderness Trail Descriptions at nps.gov/seki.
  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.