Backpacking Information

Getting trail maps and guides
Maps and trail guides to help you plan your trip are available at park visitor centers and through the Sequoia Natural History Association Bookstore. For more information on trails and wilderness permits, call the Wilderness Office at (559) 565-3708.

Getting permits
Day hikers do not need a permit but overnight hikers do.

Permits are issued based on the location of the trailhead where you begin your trip. For example, if you plan to enter Dusy Basin in Kings Canyon National Park through Bishop Pass by starting from South Lake, you would get your permit from the Inyo National Forest White Mountain Ranger District Office since the South Lake trailhead is in the Inyo National Forest. However, hikers wishing to enter Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks from the Big Meadows Road trailheads in Giant Sequoia National Monument should get their permits from Grant Grove.

While backpacking in the wilderness, bear resistant food containers (bear canisters) are required for overnight hikers and are strongly recommended. Hanging food is only a delay tactic for bears as black bears can easily climb trees. In the Sierras bear canisters are the only effective and proven method of preventing bears from getting human food.

Bear canisters can be obtained through the Ranger station or wilderness offices.

Foothills/Ash Mountain

Permits issued from Foothills Visitor Center:

• Middle Fork Trail (Buckeye Campground): Begins with a slight grade along the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River. Oaks to pines, rivers & vistas. Early and late season access. Watch for ticks, poison oak, and rattlesnakes. First campsite - Panther Creek (3.5 miles/5.6 km) Limit 25 people/day.

 South Fork Mineral King

Permits issued from Mineral King Ranger Station
No fires permitted in Mineral King Valley outside frontcountry campgrounds.

• Atwell-Hockett Trail (Atwell Mill): Easy to moderate climb. Giant sequoia grove, meadows. 10 miles (16 km) to Hockett Meadow. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Clover Creek (6 miles/9.6 km) Limit 25 people/day.
• Paradise Ridge Trail (Atwell Mill): Steep climb, hot and dry. Sequoia grove and vistas. 9 miles (14.4 km) to Redwood Meadow. First campsite - Paradise Ridge (3 miles/4.8 km) no water. Limit 15 people/day.
• Tar Gap Trail (Cold Springs Campground): Moderate climb. Lakes, forests, alpine vistas. 12 miles (19.2 km) to Hockett Meadow. Access to trails beyond. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Deer Creek (4 miles/6.4 km) Limit 25 people/day.
• Mosquito/Mineral Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lakes and spectacular vistas. No campfires. Cross-country to upper lakes. First campsite - Mosquito Lake #2 (4 miles/6.4 km). Limit 25 people/day.
• Eagle Lake Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Steady, moderately steep climb. Lake and alpine vistas. No campfires. First campsite - Eagle Lake (3.4 miles/5.4 km). Limit 20 people/day.
• White Chief Trail (Eagle/Mosquito Lakes trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lakes and spectacular vistas. No campfires. First campsite - White Chief Bowl (4 miles/6.4 km) Limit 25 people/day.
• Farewell Gap Trail (Franklin Pass trailhead): Steep and strenuous climb. Access to Sequoia National Forest trails. No campfires. First campsite - Franklin/Farewell Jct. (4 miles/6.4 km). No entry limit.
• Franklin Pass Trail (Franklin Pass trailhead): Moderately strenuous climb. Lake and alpine vistas. No campfires. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Franklin/Farewell Jct. (4 miles/6.4 km). Limit 30 people/day.
• Sawtooth Trail (Sawtooth trailhead): Steep, strenuous climb. Rough, unmaintained trail beyond Monarch Lakes. Lakes, vistas, access to Glacier Pass, Big and Little Five Lakes. No campfires. First campsite - Groundhog Meadow (1 miles/1.6 km) Limit 20 people/day.
• Timber Gap Trail (Sawtooth trailhead): Moderately steep climb. Forest, lakes. Access to many trails. No campfires. Popular horse-party trail. First campsite - Timber Gap (2.2 miles/3.5 km). No water Limit 25 people/day.

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