Timber Gap Trail
This trail follows an old mining route along Monarch Creek before branching off from the trail.
Plan Around Timber Gap Trail
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Timber Gap Trail Details
The two-mile (one way) Timber Gap Trail follows an old mining route along Monarch Creek before branching off from the trail to Monarch and Crystal Lakes. Avalanches keep the areas open slopes free from trees; Timber Gap itself doesn't experience any avalanches though, and features plentiful red fir, which the miners from the 1800's used for fuel and to to help support mine shafts. Look north from Timber Gap to see the Middle Fork of the Kaweah River and Alta Peak. Day hikers in the Mineral King area should expect steep trails and thinner air. Although the floor of the Mineral King valley is at 7,500 feet, west- and south-facing slopes can still be hot and dry. Hiking at this altitude is challenging, so make sure your fitness level is adequate before embarking, and bring plenty of water.
Difficulty
Moderate
Distance
2 miles
Estimated time
4 hours
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around Timber Gap Trail
Compare nearby parks around Timber Gap Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around Timber Gap Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Timber Gap Trail while the map context is still fresh.
0.1 mi away
Monarch Lakes Trail
Upper and Lower Monarch Lakes lie at the foot of Sawtooth Peak, at the end of a 4.2-mile hike.
0.2 mi away
White Chief Trail
The White Chief mine made Mineral King a household name among miners.
0.9 mi away
Cold Springs
Located 23 miles from Highway 198 on the Mineral King Road.
0.9 mi away
Franklin Lakes Trail
This trail provides many views of the rainbow-colored metamorphic rocks that attracted miners in the past.
1.4 mi away
Crystal Lake Trail
Providing panoramic views of the southern part of the Mineral King Valley.
