Monarch Lake 
Distance: 9.0 miles (round trip)
Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park, near Mineral King in California's Southwestern Sierra
Lower Monarch Lake
Beautiful Monarch Lakes lie cradled in scenic bowl at the foot of Sawtooth and Mineral Peaks. A moderately-steep trail to the lake climbs through meadows, red fir forest and avalanche-scoured slopes and features fine views of the Mineral King valley.
See Trail Detail/Full Description
- Distance: 9.0 miles (round trip) to Monarch Lake
- Elevation: 7,840-ft. at Trailhead
10,390-ft. at Monarch Lake - Elevation Gain: 2,550-ft. to Monarch Lake
- Difficulty: moderate-strenuous
- More Hikes in:
Mineral King / California's Southwestern Sierra
Why Hike Monarch Lake
Picturesque Monarch Lakes are nestled in a dramatic cirque beneath Sawtooth and Mineral Peaks. Hikers climbing the steep trail to the lakes basin are rewarded with great views of the East Fork Kaweah valley, Monarch Canyon and the Great Western Divide. Beyond the lakes an extremely strenuous climb up an unmaintained trail leads to Sawtooth Pass, with arguably some of the best views in the southern Sierras.
Do not expect solitude on this hike. Monarch Lake is a popular destination for day hikers and a stop on several multi-day backpacking loops in the Mineral King area. I recommend getting an early start on this hike. The first part of the trail, which climbs steeply up dry exposed, sagebrush covered slopes, can be a real scorcher during the height of the summer.
Elevation Profile
Trail Resources
Trail Detail/Full Description / Trail Photo Gallery / Trail Map
Basecamp(s) Information:
Mineral King
Region Information:
California's Southwestern Sierra
Other Hiking Regions in:
California