Monarch Lakes

Dogs No Dogs

Features Lake · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The trail to Monarch Lakes begins at Sawtooth Trailhead in Sequoia National Park's scenic Mineral King Valley. A great day hike, the route steadily climbs one of the valley's west-facing slopes toward Lower Monarch Lake. The trail offers a diverse mix of Sierra terrain, from creekside cascades and old-growth forests to alpine lakes, with stellar views of Mineral King's valley and peaks along the way.

Overnight trips require backcountry permits and bear canisters, available at the Mineral King Ranger Station during peak months (June–September). Outside of peak season, self-issued permits are available, and bear canisters can be rented at outdoor gear shops in Visalia, Fresno, and other locations. Rangers frequently patrol the trails, so be prepared for encounters.

Starting from the Sawtooth Trailhead, take the Timber Gap Trail, which begins with steep switchbacks near the Monarch Creek drainage, passing Black Wolf Falls before reaching a junction with the Monarch Lakes Trail. Turn right at the junction and follow signs for Monarch Lake. Continue up to Groundhog Meadow, crossing Monarch Creek. After the meadow, the trail switchbacks through old-growth red fir forest before reaching a second junction for Crystal Lake. Stay left to continue toward Monarch Lake. The trail soon flattens, rounding a rocky corner into a talus-lined basin, with views of Sawtooth Pass and Sawtooth Peak. The path contours around the southern slopes of the basin, crosses Monarch Creek again, and finally reaches Lower Monarch Lake.

Lower Monarch Lake is set in a picturesque granite bowl at the base of Sawtooth Peak's west slope. To the south Mineral Peak rises, offering a popular scramble for peak-baggers. On the lake's far shore, a cascade flows from Upper Monarch Lake, which is dammed and used by Southern California Edison for power generation.

Lower Monarch Lake is a perfect lunch stop before heading back to the trailhead or continuing up the challenging 1,200-foot climb to Sawtooth Pass for access to Sawtooth Peak or Columbine Lake. Backcountry campsites and a vault toilet are available, but beware of marmots—they're not shy about taking food. Upper Monarch Lake can be accessed via a trail leading from the east shore of Lower Monarch Lake.

Description by Aron Bronson on Outdoor Project with improvements by Lani Advokat

Marmots have been known to cause damage to vehicles parked at Mineral King trailheads, especially in early summer, by chewing on engine wiring. This behavior is more common before mid-July, when the marmots' natural food sources contain more salt. To avoid this issue, park near the ranger station (about a mile from the Sawtooth Trailhead), or cover your vehicle with a tarp to prevent marmots from entering the engine compartment.