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Tar Gap Trail

Tulare · Managed by Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (NPS) · Region: Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Difficulty /100 · out and back#mineral-king#hockett#stock-trail#quiet
Distance
8 mi
Days
2
Permit
Required
Campfires
Campfires allowed

Overview

Tar Gap is Mineral King's moderate middle way: a 4-mile climb from Cold Springs to Deer Creek's camp, with Hockett Meadows and the surrounding lake country as extensions. A relaxed two-day trip on a historic stock route.

Highlights

  • Deer Creek's creekside camp at 4 miles
  • The option to extend to Hockett Meadows
  • Wildflower meadows in early summer
  • A quiet corridor with stock-trail grades

Logistics

  • Trailhead: Cold Springs Trailhead (Mineral King) · parking: Cold Springs area at road's end, Mineral King
  • Water: Deer 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.
  • 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.

Heat: Warm on the exposed climbs.

Bugs: Moderate near the creek.

Weather forecast

Know before you go

  • Watch for stock traffic on the trail
  • Mosquitoes near the creek through July
  • 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). Tar Gap Trail description, first allowed campsite at Deer Creek (4 miles), twelve miles to Hockett Meadow, and its status as a popular stock trail.
  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.