Yosemite & the Sierra Nevada - California - page 1034

BACKPACKING IN SEQUOIA & KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS
With over 850 miles of marked trails, the parks are a backpacker's dream. Cedar Grove
and Mineral King offer the best backcountry access. Trails are usually open by mid to late
May.
For overnight backcountry trips you'll need a wilderness permit (per group $15), which
is subject to a quota system in summer; permits are free and available by self-registration
outside the quota season. About 75% of spaces can be reserved, while the rest are avail-
able in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made from March 1
until two weeks before your trip. For details see www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/wilder-
ness_permits.htm. There's also a dedicated wilderness desk at the Lodgepole Visitor
Center.
All ranger stations and visitors centers carry topo maps and hiking guides. Note that
you need to store your food in park-approved bearproof canisters, which can be rented at
markets and visitors centers (from $5 per trip).
Mineral King
Mineral King's two pretty campgrounds, Atwell Mill ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; tent sites $12;
late-May-mid-Oct; ) and Cold Springs ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; tent sites $12; late-
May-mid-Oct; ) , often fill up on summer weekends. Pay showers are available at the Sil-
ver City Mountain Resort.
Silver City Mountain Resort CABINS
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; 559-561-3223; www.silvercityresort.com ; Mineral King Rd; cabins with/
without bathroom from $195/120, chalets $250-395; late-May-late-Oct; )
The only food and lodging option anywhere near these parts, this rustic, old-fashioned and
family-friendly place rents everything from cute and cozy 1950s-era cabins to modern
chalets that sleep up to eight. Its restaurant ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; mains $10-18;
8am-8pm Thu-Mon, pie & coffee only 9am-4pm Tue-Wed) serves delicious homemade pies and
simple fare on wooden picnic tables under the trees. It's located 3.5 miles west of the
ranger station.