Two alpine lakes tucked beneath Sawtooth Peak, accessible via a sustained climb through the heart of Mineral King's high country. The route delivers classic Sierra granite-and-water scenery at 10,000-plus feet, but you'll work for it — over 2,800 feet of climbing in five miles, much of it through exposed terrain above treeline.
Trail Details
- 🏃Activities
- Hiking
- 🔁Trail Type
- out and back
- 📏Distance
- 10 miles
- ⬆️Elevation Gain
- 2,867 ft
- 📍Location
- CA
- 🐕Dogs Allowed
- No
- 💵Fee
- Free
- 📋Permit Required
- Yes
Overview
This is Mineral King hiking at its purest: a relentless climb through transition zones until you break into the alpine zone proper. The trail starts in mixed forest at 7,840 feet and doesn't let up until you're standing beside Lower Monarch Lake at 10,390 feet, with Upper Monarch Lake another 250 vertical feet above that.
The character changes completely around 9,000 feet. Below that, you're grinding through timber and occasional meadow openings. Above, the Sierra granite takes over — clean slabs, blocky talus, and increasingly dramatic views back toward the Mineral King valley and across to the Great Western Divide.
What to Expect
The first junction comes at 0.7 miles where the Timber Gap trail splits off to the right. Stay left for Monarch Lakes. The climbing is steady but not crushing for the first 1.3 miles as you gain 920 feet through forest. Ground Hog meadows provide a brief reprieve before the grade picks up again.
The Crystal Lakes Trail junction marks another decision point — turn left to continue toward the Monarch Lakes. From here, the trail gets more serious about elevation gain. You'll cross granite slabs and work through increasingly sparse timber as you approach 10,000 feet.
Lower Monarch Lake sits in a classic cirque basin at 4.5 miles from the trailhead. Upper Monarch Lake requires an additional quarter-mile on a use trail, gaining another 250 feet. The upper lake offers better views of Sawtooth Peak's dramatic north face, but the lower lake has better swimming if that's part of your plan.
Water is available at both lakes, but bring treatment. There are seasonal creeks along the route, though they can't be counted on in late summer or dry years.
Tips & Logistics
Start early. This is a long day at altitude with significant exposure above treeline. The Sawtooth Trailhead sits at the end of Mineral King Road — a 25-mile drive from Highway 198 that's steep, winding, and slow going. No RVs or trailers.
Plan for road construction delays through 2027. Mineral King Road will see major work with closures and delays on weekdays throughout the hiking season. Check current conditions before driving up.
The road typically closes in mid-November and doesn't reopen until late spring, sometimes well into May depending on snowpack. Even after the road opens, expect snow on the trail above 9,000 feet until June or July in heavy snow years.
No permit required for day hiking, but the park entrance fee applies. Dogs and bikes are prohibited. If you're planning to camp, overnight permits are required and camping isn't allowed until several miles into the route.
Bring layers and weather protection. Weather can change quickly at this elevation, and afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer. The granite slabs can be slippery when wet.
This isn't a beginner's hike. The distance, elevation gain, and alpine exposure require solid fitness and mountain experience. But for hikers comfortable with the commitment, the Monarch Lakes deliver some of the most pristine alpine scenery accessible from Mineral King.