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Paradise Ridge Trail

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#ridge#quiet#exposed
Distance
6 mi
Elevation
6,604–8,009 ft
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Stoves only

Overview

Paradise Ridge is Mineral King's dry, quiet spine: a three-mile climb from Atwell Mill to a waterless ridge camp with long views, and the option to continue ten miles to Redwood Meadow's giant sequoias.

Highlights

  • Wide views from the ridge toward the Great Western Divide
  • The option to extend to Redwood Meadow's sequoias
  • A quiet, uncrowded corridor
  • Clear night skies from a high, dry camp

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Atwell Mill Campground Trailhead (6,604 ft) · parking: Atwell Mill Campground on the Mineral King road
  • Water: None reliable on the ridge — carry 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 Atwell Mill entry applies during quota season.
  • Reservation window: Advance reservations via recreation.gov; walk-ups when quota remains.

Campfires & stove regulations

Stoves only. Paradise Ridge has no water and is exposed — plan on a stove, subject to seasonal restrictions. Current fire restrictions. Rules change with conditions — always confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Best time to go

Best months: June, July, September, October.

Snow: The ridge clears by June in most years.

Heat: The exposed ridge is hot in midsummer.

Bugs: Moderate along the lower trail.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • There is no water on the ridge — carry everything
  • The trail is steep, hot, and exposed — start early
  • 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. Elevation 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). Paradise Ridge Trail description, first allowed campsite at Paradise Ridge (3 miles, no water), and ten miles to Redwood Meadow.
  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.