Mineral King to Sawtooth Pass

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Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 11.5 miles / 18.5 km
Duration: Full day

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Overview: Sawtooth Pass in Mineral King Valley strafes the serrated edge of Sawtooth Peak, the largest prominence in the area at 12,343 ft. Climbing to the top of the pass reveals views of alpine glacial gems like Columbine Lake, Monarch Lakes, Mineral Peak and Mineral King Valley.

Overnight backpacking or camping is a must when visiting Mineral King. Reaching Sawtooth Pass can be achieved in a day. Getting to the top of Sawtooth Peak is a tough scramble, and the trail does not go to the top.

Wildlife is abundant and the landscape is massive, about 12,600 acres. A vast range of attributes including the geology, forest, and glacial lakes make this hike unique.

Tips: Getting There: take Mineral King Road off of 198. It is a twisty, narrow, steep, bumpy grade that takes over an hour to drive 23 miles. No trailers or RV's.

Backcountry overnight permits are required which you can get at the Mineral King Ranger Station.

There are two campgrounds in Mineral King Valley: Cold Springs (37 sites $12/night) and Atwell Mill (21 sites. $12). Water is shut off in mid-October and no fees are charged. Cold Springs is within walking distance of the trailhead, and Atwell Mill is 5 miles away.

Marmots are a problem in May and June. They are attracted to salt and will chew tires, radiator hoses, and electrical wires in your car. Some people suggest circling the car in chicken wire. It's best to double check under the hood before leaving!

Points of Interest

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Cold Springs Campground

37 sites. $12/night. Not reservable.

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Mineral King Ranger Station

Opens around Memorial Day and closes by the end of October, depending on weather. A trail log remains at the station year round.

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Sawtooth Pass Trailhead

Benchmark elevation for the trailhead is 7,800 ft. There is parking available.

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Junction to Timber Gap

Go right to Sawtooth. Left goes to Timber Gap.

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Monarch Creek and Black Wolf Falls

Cross the creek at this point and continue your ascent.

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Switchbacks

A series of switchbacks steadily rise in elevation through forest and meadows.

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Junction to Crystal Lakes

Go to the the left toward Sawtooth. Right goes to Crystal Lakes.

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Lower Monarch Lake

Elevation approximately 10,400 feet. Mineral Peak overlooks the lake. There is an open air toilet.

Trout Ripple in Lower Monarch Lake Photo

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Ascent of Sawtooth Pass

The ascent of Sawtooth Pass is grueling. Endless switchbacks cut through sand and rock slides on an exposed face. This section accounts for about 2,000 ft. of elevation gain. Coming down is a much easier task.

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Top of Sawtooth Pass

Facing Sawtooth Peak. The serrated edge of the ridge leading to the peak looked like a moderate scramble from the pass, but it is much longer and harder than it looks. Make sure you have plenty of strength and sunlight before attempting the peak. There is no trail that leads to the top.

The north face of Sawtooth Peak overlooks Columbine Lake and Lost Canyon.

The elevation of Sawtooth Pass is just shy of 12,000 ft. The top of the peak is 12,343 ft.

The trail continues further past Columbine Lake to Lost Canyon, Big Five Lakes, and beyond.