White Chief Trail

White Chief Trail is a long-distance hike in Sequoia National Park’s Mineral King area, following the west side of Mineral King Valley up through White Chief Canyon toward the historic White Chief Mine. The route is steep for much of the climb, with a typical out-and-back day hike length in the ~7.4-mile range to the mine (and longer if you continue farther).

Start at the end of Mineral King Road at the Eagle/Mosquito Lakes parking area (the White Chief Trailhead area). From there, the trail ascends the west side of the valley, initially moving steadily before the grade tightens as it works up toward the canyon.

Midway, you reach the White Chief Meadows and then pass the ruins of Crabtree Cabin near the meadow area beyond the junction with the Eagle/Mosquito Lakes Trail. The historic mining story is tied to James Crabtree’s 1873 claim, with the cabin remaining as the most intact survivor in the immediate area.

Above the meadows, the trail continues its steep push along White Chief Canyon, threading through subalpine terrain and limestone/marble country that shapes drainage and springs along the way. The route is described as reaching a point below the mine before crossing into the mine area at roughly the mid-route turnaround point for many hikers.

If you turn around at the mine, expect a hard, steep experience with substantial elevation gain for the distance. If you push onward farther into the canyon toward White Chief Bowl, the hike extends to about ~9.2 miles round trip with more total gain and a higher endpoint in a glacial cirque below Vandever Mountain.

Seasonally, Mineral King Road and access into the area are subject to winter closures, so the trail’s “go time” is typically limited to the snow-free window later in spring through fall. Pets are not allowed on trails in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, and carrying water is emphasized because lake/stream purity can’t be guaranteed.

More information: Wikipedia, Visitor information, White Chief Trail - Wilderness Portal