Backpacking Mineral King: A Celebration of Collective Environmentalism
Highlights
- Backpack a spectacular and challenging route
- Learn Mineral King’s past and recent history
- Enjoy stunning views of the southern Sierra
Includes
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Earthjustice staff to provide historical perspective
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Great meals for vegetarians and non-vegetarians
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All group cooking gear and bear canisters
Overview
The Trip
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earthjustice at the site of its first and most consequential legal effort against Walt Disney’s planned massive ski resort. The Mineral King case forever changed the modern environmental movement.
Resting beneath the towering peaks of the Great Western Divide, the remote valley of Mineral King is the entry point for our loop trek into the southern Sierra high country. Here, at the headwaters of the Kaweah River's East Fork, we'll start and finish a spectacular and challenging adventure that explores the high passes, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes of this magnificent region
The Trip
Join us in celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earthjustice at the site of its first and most consequential legal effort against Walt Disney’s planned massive ski resort. The Mineral King case forever changed the modern environmental movement.
Resting beneath the towering peaks of the Great Western Divide, the remote valley of Mineral King is the entry point for our loop trek into the southern Sierra high country. Here, at the headwaters of the Kaweah River's East Fork, we'll start and finish a spectacular and challenging adventure that explores the high passes, deep valleys, and pristine alpine lakes of this magnificent region. Our trek will traverse the Great Western Divide twice at high passes, which provide vast panoramas of peaks and valleys, including the nearby Kaweah Peaks Ridge. Late summer is a wonderful time to visit -- the lighting and colors are beginning to change, and the crowds are reduced from the mid-summer peak. A planned layover day will provide time to explore further or just relax. We will be travelling through the ancestral home of the Yokuts and Mono native peoples.
The valley’s history runs deep, from 19th-century silver mining, through the conservation battle against Disney to the present controversy over private in-holdings in national parks. We will have a local historian share their knowledge and an Earthjustice staff person on the trip to fully explain the Mineral King fight and its future ramifications. All of this in stunning country with like-minded fellow hikers and experienced leaders!
Itinerary
We will take a slow and steady approach to backpacking. The goal will be to allow time to appreciate and relish the beautiful country through which we will be passing. Excluding day-hikes, our loop route will be approximately 27 miles, with one layover day. The itinerary is approximate, as weather and the group's pace may necessitate modifications.
Day 1: Our first day will consist of driving (or hiking) the short route to Mineral King valley. There we will day-hike the 2.1 miles and 1,700 feet up to Timber Gap, a pass from which we will enjoy stunning views of glaciated Mineral King valley and its high encircling peaks
We will take a slow and steady approach to backpacking. The goal will be to allow time to appreciate and relish the beautiful country through which we will be passing. Excluding day-hikes, our loop route will be approximately 27 miles, with one layover day. The itinerary is approximate, as weather and the group's pace may necessitate modifications.
Day 1: Our first day will consist of driving (or hiking) the short route to Mineral King valley. There we will day-hike the 2.1 miles and 1,700 feet up to Timber Gap, a pass from which we will enjoy stunning views of glaciated Mineral King valley and its high encircling peaks. We will be joined by an Earthjustice attorney and a local historian to provide historical perspectives, from its indigenous and pioneer roots through to its annexation into Sequoia National Park. We will return by late afternoon for a hearty in-camp meal.
Day 2: After breakfast, we will stage cars at the trailhead and proceed south through the valley before turning east and up to lower Franklin Lake (10,331 feet). 5.5 miles, +2,510 feet.
Day 3: Leaving the lake, we will proceed about 1.5 miles up to Franklin Pass (11,710 feet) before heading down into Rattlesnake Canyon and over to a beautiful campsite at Little Claire Lake (10,420 feet), our home for two nights. 6 miles, +1,380 feet, -1,290 feet.
Day 4: This layover day will allow us to relax in the sun or swim, or stretch our legs on an off-trail ascent of a nearby ridge or peak.
Day 5: Today starts with a series of switchbacks down into Soda Canyon. After lunching at the trail junction, we will proceed up and mostly through Lost Canyon, essentially regaining most of our elevation to a creekside camp at 10,200 feet. 8 miles, +1,600 feet, -1,920 feet.
Day 6: This last day will be among the most challenging, but with nearly empty bear cans we should be lighter afoot for the early start needed to steadily climb 2.2 miles past stark Columbine Lake to Sawtooth Pass (11,630 feet). Possible inclement weather may require us to arrive well before noon. We will then traverse down into the valley; the first mile or so will be down a fairly steep and at times difficult, ill-defined trail. Hikers’ patience will be rewarded heading down this short scree field to the well-tended remainder of the trail, back to our awaiting cars. We should arrive by early afternoon. 7.5 miles, +1,430 feet, -3,810 feet.
Logistics
Getting There
Mineral King is at the end of a 24-mile, winding, narrow road out of Three Rivers, which is east of Visalia, in the southern part, and the western side, of the Sierra Nevada. The nearest airport is in Fresno, and it is a reasonable drive from Los Angeles, Sacramento, or San Francisco. While there are public transportation options to Visalia (Amtrak, bus), there are none headed into the Sierra. The leaders will provide information to assist participants in making carpool arrangements. All specific driving directions will be sent out well ahead of trip departure. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leaders
Getting There
Mineral King is at the end of a 24-mile, winding, narrow road out of Three Rivers, which is east of Visalia, in the southern part, and the western side, of the Sierra Nevada. The nearest airport is in Fresno, and it is a reasonable drive from Los Angeles, Sacramento, or San Francisco. While there are public transportation options to Visalia (Amtrak, bus), there are none headed into the Sierra. The leaders will provide information to assist participants in making carpool arrangements. All specific driving directions will be sent out well ahead of trip departure. Please do not make non-refundable travel arrangements until notified to do so by the trip leaders.
Accommodations and Food
Participants are encouraged to arrive in the area a day or two early, if possible, to adjust to the altitude. Plentiful lodging is available in Three Rivers, but there none on Mineral King Rd. until just a few miles from Mineral King valley. These are Atwill Mill and Cold Springs campgrounds and Silver City, a hamlet of vacation homes with the Silver City resort. The resort has small cabins to large chalets available as well as a small store and café. All meals from dinner on day one through lunch on the last day, as well as cooking gear, stoves and fuel, are included in the trip price; pre-and post-trip lodging expenses are not included. Group gear will be divided and distributed before we commence hiking. We should start with over 10 pounds of commissary gear per person, which should dwindle to a few pounds by the last day.
A nutritious, high-energy, mostly vegetarian menu is planned (vegetarians and gluten-free eaters are welcome). Whenever meat is served there will be meat-free options. Breakfasts will generally consist of hot cereals while dinners will have a soup course and some kind of high-carb main course like pasta. Lunches will be simpler as many will be on-trail, such as crackers, cheese, fruit, baby carrots, and trail bars. Any food allergies or preferences should be indicated on your trip application. As with most Sierra Club backpacking trips, meal preparation is a group effort – participants will be expected to help in the kitchen one or two days. Our meals have been field-tested for simplicity as well as good taste. The variety and wholesomeness of the food may be surprising. And as to quantity, we strive to keep you well-fed at each meal, without any waste to carry out.
Trip Difficulty
Overall, this trip is rated 4 on a 1 to 5 scale (5 being most difficult). Excluding day-hikes, we will trek about 27 miles, almost entirely on maintained trails. Our greatest elevation gain will come on the first hiking day up over 2,500 feet to Franklin Lakes and each hiking day after will see us gain substantial elevation. The total elevation gained over four moving days will be about 7,000 feet. Our path will approach 12,000 feet twice, first at Franklin Pass and over Sawtooth Pass on our final day. Thankfully, we have a planned layover day in between. All but one of our planned camps will be above 10,000 feet.
Participation in this outing requires that you be experienced, in shape, and have reasonable expectations for the trip. Recent backpacking experience and very good aerobic conditioning are essential. Our objectives are to enjoy some spectacular country and to complete the trip safely as a group. If you have questions or have concerns about whether this trip is appropriate for you, please do not hesitate to contact the leaders.
Equipment and Clothing
Late summer Sierra weather can be very pleasant but also highly variable. Participants should be ready for rain or snow and cold temperatures. Excessively hot temperatures are unlikely. Nighttime lows will be in the 30s while the 20s are possible. Daytime highs should be in the 60s to 70s, but could be colder.
The leaders will provide a detailed equipment list, gear suggestions and other trip information in the months prior to the trip. Trip participants must provide their own backpack and personal gear, including a sleeping bag rated to 15-30 degrees, a foam or inflatable sleeping pad, a quality lightweight tent, raingear, long underwear, and broken-in hiking boots. We will be carrying bear canisters for which you will have to allow ample room in your pack. Hiking poles may be useful for stream crossings, steep descents, and difficult terrain. Participants must minimize non-essential items to ensure room for food, commissary gear, and bear canisters, and, excluding group gear and water, keep their pack weight below 25 pounds.
References
Maps:
You may choose to bring along your own map and compass, but it is not required. A number of available maps provide a good description of our route, including any of the following:
- The combination of three USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles: Mineral King, Chagoopa Falls, and Triple Divide Peak.
- The Mineral King map published by Tom Harrison Maps (www.tomharrisonmaps.com).
- The two-sheet map set for the John Muir Wilderness and Sequoia/Kings Canyon Wilderness published by the U.S. Forest Service.
Books:
- Secor, R.J., The High Sierra: Peaks, Passes, and Trails. The Mountaineers. An excellent general reference to trails, cross-country routes, and climbing routes in the Sierra Nevada.
- Laws, John Muir, The Laws Field Guide to the Sierra Nevada. Heyday Books. This is an excellent field guide to the plants and wildlife of the Sierra.
Conservation
This national outing stands above all others as it celebrates the subject of the most consequential legal decision in the early environmental movement. We will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Earthjustice (formerly the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund) by collaborating with them on this traverse from the Mineral King valley and into the higher climes of southern Sequoia National Park.
Once a bustling 19th-century mining community, and later a bucolic mountain retreat, Mineral King in the 1960s-1970s was the center of a major conservation battle over Walt Disney’s plan to develop it into California’s largest ski resort. Despite garnering the approval of all requisite state and federal agencies, the environmental fight went to the U.S. Supreme Court, which established a precedent allowing citizens to sue to preserve and protect our natural resources. The development was thwarted and Mineral King was annexed into Sequoia National Park in 1978. We will also discuss issues that affect much of the western U.S., such as the mountain pine beetle, the on-going drought and wildfires.
As an environmentally focused organization, all Sierra Club trips follow Leave No Trace principles; our campsites will be left cleaner than when we arrived.
Sierra Club National Outings is an equal-opportunity provider and when applicable will operate under permits obtained from U.S. federal land agencies.
Staff
What Our Travelers Say
Blanca P, Hayward , California
Mineral King at the Sequoia National Park (August 2022)
This trip had been in my bucket list for years. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to be one of 12 participants that wen on this wonderful backpacking trip. The occasion was very special, and the company could not have been better. We were accompanied by a great Sierra Club leader and co-leader, and members of the Earth Justice, their attorney and other representative as well as like minded people. This trip was put together to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the victory of Sierra Club against Walt Disney Corporation that then wanted to develop this this area into a ski...
Blanca P, Hayward , California
Mineral King at the Sequoia National Park (August 2022)
How was the quality of the volunteer leadership?
The leader and co-leader were very accommodating and made sure we were well taken care. They prepared great creative meals that kept us energized.
What was the highlight of your trip? Any advice for potential travelers?
I learned so much about the importance of conservation, and the commitment of Sierra Club and Earth Justice to protect beautiful areas like Mineral Kings for future generations.
Have you taken a trip with us recently? If so, look for an email to submit a review, or email us to find out how to submit.
Important Notes
- Carbon Offsets
- Carpooling
- Electronic Billing and Forms
- Electronic Devices
- Equipment
- Essential Eligibility Criteria
- How to Apply for a Trip
- Leader Gratuities
- Medical Issues
- Non-discrimination Statement
- Participant Agreement
- Seller of Travel Disclosure
- Single Supplements
- Terms and Conditions
- Travel Insurance
- Trip Feedback
- Trip Price
- Wilderness Manners