Mineral King Road — Sequoia National Park’s Switchback Gauntlet
698 curves into the Sierra's most remote valley.
Mineral King Road does not want you to arrive comfortably — and that’s exactly the point. Splitting off from Highway 198 near Three Rivers, this 25-mile unpaved corridor claws up the southern Sierra Nevada through 698 curves (yes, people have counted) before depositing you at 7,800 feet in Mineral King Valley, a glacially carved bowl ringed by peaks above 11,000 feet. The road is narrow enough that passing requires one vehicle to reverse to a pullout, and there are sections where the drop off the edge is measured in hundreds of feet with nothing between your door and the canyon. Marmots — famous, brazen, and relentless — will chew on your vehicle’s rubber components overnight if you’re not careful. Wrap your hoses and brake lines.
Any stock vehicle can technically make this drive, but narrow width and 25 mph maximum speeds mean a smaller, nimble rig is more comfortable than a full-size truck. High clearance is not required, but a patient driver is. No trailers or vehicles over 22 feet allowed. The road is open from late May through late October depending on snowpack. No fuel in the valley — top off in Three Rivers. Camping at Cold Springs and Atwell Mill campgrounds requires reservations through Recreation.gov. This is bear country; hard-sided canisters are mandatory.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel |
| Features | Camping, High Altitude, Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 7800 ft |
| Best season | Late May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | Any vehicle under 22 ft, no trailers |
| Nearest town | Three Rivers, CA |
| Land manager | National Park Service — Sequoia National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | nps.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can my stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle Mineral King Road without any mods?
Yes, a stock mid-size truck or SUV handles it fine — clearance isn't the issue here. The real concern is vehicle length: anything over 22 feet is prohibited, and trailers of any kind are not allowed on this road. The 698 switchbacks are tight and narrow, not rocky.
When does Mineral King Road actually open each year, and is snow a real risk?
The road typically opens late May and closes in late October or early November, depending on snowpack. Snow can linger at the upper elevations well into June, and the NPS sometimes delays opening — check current road conditions directly with Sequoia National Park before you go.
Do I need a permit or reservation to drive Mineral King Road or camp there?
No permit is required to drive the road. Camping at Atwell Mill or Cold Springs campgrounds requires a reservation through Recreation.gov during peak season. Backcountry camping in the valley requires a wilderness permit from the Sequoia National Park quota system.
What's the hardest part of the drive and what should I actually be ready for?
The road narrows to one lane for long stretches with sheer drop-offs and no guardrails — that's where most people get uncomfortable. Passing oncoming vehicles on blind switchbacks is the real challenge, not the surface itself. Drive slow, use your horn on blind corners, and don't let anyone rush you.
Is there any gas or cell service once I leave Three Rivers, and how should I plan for that?
Zero cell service exists on Mineral King Road and throughout the valley — plan accordingly and download offline maps before you leave. There is no gas available past Three Rivers, so top off there. The valley has no services whatsoever; carry everything you need in and out.
Trail track
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