Mineral King Ranger Station

The Mineral King Ranger Station is the only park visitor facility in Mineral King, a small service stop at mile 24 of Mineral King Road, 7,600 feet up in mixed-conifer forest. Stop for trail recommendations, maps, local wilderness permits, first aid, and bear canisters. A few exhibits cover the area's human and natural history.

From the Highway 198 junction in Three Rivers, the station is another 24 miles along Mineral King Road. The road is narrow, steep, winding, and partly unpaved, so RVs and trailers are a poor fit. There is no gas or electricity in Mineral King; refuel and charge in Three Rivers. Plan a full day for the valley, not just this stop. Mineral King closes in winter, and station hours vary by season.

Marmots may chew radiator hoses and vehicle wiring, especially in spring and early summer. For visits of more than a few hours, cover the underside of your vehicle with a tarp. The station has a limited supply of marmot tarps.

There's no food at the station. The closest food option is Silver City Mountain Resort, about three miles away. A separate picnic area near the station has water spigots and vault restrooms, handy before a hike.