Franklin Lakes

Overview

Franklin Lakes sit in a classic glacial basin right below Franklin Pass on the Great Western Divide. Getting here is half the reward: a sustained climb from Mineral King through forests and meadows to broad, blue water tucked beneath high, rugged walls. It’s a stout day hike and an excellent first-night destination for backpackers.

The Hike In

Most folks park at the White Chief or Sawtooth trailheads near the Mineral King Pack Station, then pick up the Farewell Gap–Franklin Lakes Trail. Expect roughly 12 miles round trip with about 2,700 feet of gain. The trail is well‑traveled but steep in places, with rocky, narrow sections and several stream crossings that can be wet early season. A junction near Farewell Gap leads you onto switchbacks that climb to the lakes.

What Makes It Special

This corner of Mineral King is loaded with scenery: waterfalls on Franklin Creek, broad views back toward Timber Gap, and those colorful metamorphic bands that drew miners here in the 1870s. The lower lake sits behind a small concrete dam—one of a handful in the area—remnants of early efforts to regulate flows for power. The whole setting is a living geology lesson in glacially carved cirques and U‑shaped valleys framed by the Divide.

Wildlife

Keep your eyes out for marmots near talus and meadows, and assume black bears are active anywhere there’s food. Never leave food unattended; use proper storage at all times.

Camping & Permits

Backpacking is popular here. Wilderness permits are required for overnight trips and commonly book up for this trail—reserve ahead. Conveniently, bear‑proof storage boxes are available at the lakes for overnight users; they’re a big help if you’re camping by the water.

Conditions & Safety

This is true high country. Snow can linger near the pass, weather changes fast, and streams run higher early in the season. Bring layers, plenty of water (and treatment), and sturdy footwear. Mineral King has little to no cell service—carry a paper topo and download offline maps.

Best Time to Visit

June through October is the typical window, with the most reliable conditions mid‑ to late summer. Start early to beat heat on the climb and to find parking at Mineral King on weekends. For photos, morning light paints the Divide and keeps winds down; afternoons can bring stronger breezes on the water. October can add splashy fall color in nearby aspen groves if access remains open.

Extra Credit

If you’ve still got gas in the tank, continuing above the lakes toward Franklin Pass piles on views into the Kern headwaters. Anglers also target these alpine lakes when conditions allow—check regulations before you go.

Leave No Trace & Fire Rules

Store all food securely, pack out all trash, and follow current park fire restrictions—elevations and seasonal conditions often limit campfires; a stove is the safer bet.