Sequoia National Park Off The Beaten Path Tips by chewy3326 Top 5 Page for this destination

Cold Springs Trail

The Cold Springs Trail was a scenic and short trail in the Mineral King Valley of Sequoia National Park. It's about a mile long, one-way, and can be either started from the Eagle Mosquito Trailhead or the Cold Springs Campground. The trail leads through aspen forest and meadows in the valley along the river, offering great views of Timber Gap and Sawtooth Peak. The trail also passes the ruins of Beulah, a former mining town. The hike is a good choice in the early morning.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/seki

Great Views from Little Baldy

This fairly easy trail, only 3.5 miles round trip, leads to great views of the Siliman Crest, the Great Western Divide, and the foothills. However, while we were there (around noon on June 21) we had the entire trail to ourselves. The trail begins from Little Baldy Saddle and immediately begins switchbacking up a forested slope. Soon, views of Big Baldy will appear. After climbing steadily for a while, the trail will level out as you reach the top of the ridge. On the fairly flat ridgetop, there are good views in all directions. But the best views come at the end, atop the round, flat summit of Little Baldy. This is one of the best day hikes in Sequoia National Park.

Hiking in a subalpine wonderland

Unknown, rarely visited Mineral King Valley, accessible by a winding, bumpy 25-mile road, is a gem in Sequoia National Park. Here you can hike to alpine lakes, stroll along meadows, or stay in rustic cabins. It's a wonderful place, not to be missed. I recommend hiking the 7-mile round trip trail to Eagle Lake, which has really good scenery.