Big Five Lakes Trail

Overview

This is Mineral King’s signature backpacking loop: a strenuous, high-country circuit that links the Little Five and Big Five lake basins via Timber Gap, Black Rock Pass, Lost Canyon, and Sawtooth Pass. Expect about 30 miles total with roughly 10,000 feet of cumulative gain. Most backpackers take 3–5 days. It’s tough, exposed, and occasionally loose—yet absolutely worth the effort if you love granite, big views, and alpine lakes.

Scenery and Highlights

The route serves up classic Sierra variety: whimsical forests and waterfalls down low, then expansive granite and craggy ridgelines as you climb. The lakes are the headliners—clear, cold, and set in polished granite bowls. Lost Canyon is a crowd favorite: a gentle, photogenic meadow walk beneath Sawtooth Peak. From Black Rock Pass, the panorama sweeps across the Great Western Divide and the Kaweah Range, with far-reaching views that reward every hard-earned step. Watch for rainbow-hued metamorphic rock—reminders of 1870s mining interest—and note how glacial sculpting left this “granite oasis” studded with high lakes.

Route Character and Direction

Both directions work, but many hikers go clockwise to hit the lake basins earlier and save the loose, sandy Sawtooth Pass descent for the end. Black Rock Pass is steep but follows a built trail; Sawtooth is the crux—expect faint tread, sand, and scree where you may “boot-ski” on the way down to Monarch Lakes. Above Columbine Lake, follow cairns and be ready for brief route-finding. Beyond Pinto Lake, a marshy meadow spawns confusing use paths; stay alert and reconnect with the main Black Rock Pass Trail if you drift. A common itinerary links Timber Gap → Cliff Creek → Pinto Lake → Black Rock Pass → Little Five → Big Five → Lost Canyon → Sawtooth Pass → Monarch Lakes → trailhead.

Camps, Water, and Regulations

Early camps include Timber Gap and Cliff Creek (there’s a bear box at Cliff Creek). Pinto Lake camping is set back from the water, with reliable water typically from Cliff Creek. In the basins, the upper and middle Big Five lakes feel more dramatic; the lower Big Five lake area is larger and has bear boxes—and it’s the notable exception where campfires are allowed. Fires are otherwise prohibited above 10,000 feet and not allowed at Pinto Lake; many camps sit above that line. There’s no camping at Columbine Lake. Monarch Lakes has a pit toilet and is a handy staging/exit camp. Bear canisters are preferred; bear boxes also exist at select junctions and camps. The climb to Black Rock Pass is mostly dry—top off before committing.

Season, Weather, and Conditions

Mineral King road access is snow-dependent; aim for summer into early fall when the road is open and high-country snow has melted. Expect strong sun by day, cold nights even in midsummer, and typical afternoon thunderstorms July–September—cross high passes early. Mosquitoes can be abundant (Lost Canyon can be buggy). A long-term road project on Mineral King Road is causing delays through fall 2027—build that into your drive plan. Earlier in summer, marmots at trailheads are notorious for chewing car hoses/wires; many hikers wrap their vehicles, and reports suggest the risk drops after mid-July.

Permits and Logistics

Overnight wilderness permits are required (Mineral King entry quotas). Reservations open up to six months ahead; plan to pick up your permit the morning of your hike or risk cancellation. Typical entry is Timber Gap with exit at Sawtooth Pass for this loop. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep climbs and sandy descents. Bring insect repellent, manage for altitude (start conservative, hydrate), and consider acclimatization days. If Sawtooth’s loose terrain isn’t your jam, some hikers prefer a nearby pass option to avoid the steepest, loosest sections. Swimming is popular—keep an eye out for a small falls-fed pool near Pinto Lake and brisk dips in the high lakes.

Is It For You?

If you want premier solitude for a national park, a string of pristine alpine lakes, and big-mountain views, this loop delivers in spades. If you dislike loose, sandy passes or long, steep climbs, it can feel type‑2. For more miles, some add Franklin Lakes to extend the loop; for less spice, consider tackling the basins and Lost Canyon without committing to Sawtooth’s looseness.