Sawtooth Pass Backpacking - Mineral King, Sequoia NP

3 night 4 days Mineral King Sawtooth Pass Via Timber Gap.
Permit: Timber Gap
Permit pick up at Mineral Kings Ranger Station near Cold Springs Campground
Prepare a large tarp and ropes to cover the bottom part of your car to protect from marmots.
They will disable your car by chewing through the wires.
Total Distance: 32 miles including Lower Big Five Lakes
Elevation Gain: 10,000 ft
Alltrail Link
www.alltrails....
Day 1: Sawtooth Trailhead Parking to Pinto Lake
Day 2: Pinto Lake - Black Rock Pass- Lower Big Five Lake
Day 3: Lower Big Five Lake - Columbine Lake- Sawtooth Pass - Monarch Lake
Day 4: Monarch Lake to Trailhead
I've never been to Mineral king area before.
I was searching for Sawtooth in Idaho and found out there is a same name pass in Mineral King, Sequoia NP
Not knowing which permit to get, I got " Sawtooth Pass" permit but ranger told us that it is almost impossible to go up that loose grabble, not maintained section of the trail from Monarch Lake to Sawtooth Pass. He kindly changed our permit to " Timber Gap" which allow us to go Clockwise of the loop.
As for 3 nights 4 days backpacking trip, this Sawtooth Loop makes the top 5 of my list.

[@davidbock1801]

Epic. Really great job.

[@jinsjewelry]

Thank you, David for your kind comments. Happy trails 👣

[@dychui]

Keep up the great work ! You’re an inspiration !!

[@jinsjewelry]

Thank you 😉 Happy trails 👣

[@stevesacrcp]

Hi Jina I just subscribed to your channel and I am very much enjoying your hikes! Thank you for sharing!

[@jinsjewelry]

I just saw your comments. Thank you for your encouraging comments. Happy trails 👣

[@potatothorn]

what a beautiful hike!! so many views and wow some steep climbs.. i have heard of marmots attacking cars in some places but wow never saw it so bad you tarp your car that is wild! great trip thanks for taking us along

[@jinsjewelry]

Yes, it was a beautiful hike! It feels like ' the best of JMT sections in 4 days' kind of loop. We all had a great time. Highly recommend! :)

[@quapcousteau9824]

🤯

[@saavedramarcelo]

Nice work guys! Thanks for the information! Didn't know about the road conditions and much less about the marmots and cars!

[@jinsjewelry]

Thank you for your kind comments. Large Tarp, Ropes and mosquito repellents are Must! Happy trails :)

[@venicebeachsurfer]

Hey, I might be going to Big 5 Lakes, and curious if there are any good campsites for 4 tents? Also, how difficult was Sawtooth Pass? You ever do Taboose/Baxter pass, easier than that? I am try to get an understanding of what i am in for.. lol.

[@jinsjewelry]

There are plenty nice and flat spots for campsites in lower big five lakes. I have done Baxter pass and I would say Sawtooth pass is as hard as Baxter pass but better scenery 😊 Happy trails 👣

[@venicebeachsurfer]

@@jinsjewelry Do you need to take Sawtooth pass to get to Big 5 lakes? I am not in as good shape as previous years, so looking for an easier way in.

[@jinsjewelry]

Get a 'Timber gap ' permit instead of 'Sawtooth' permit It's easier going that way.

[@DarrenYee]

Nice Job Jina, Epic views. I was over there the weekend before Memorial Day and did the Alta Peak hike which is fantastic as well.

[@jinsjewelry]

Great, Darren! Alta peak must have been fantastic as well!

[@petr-podrouzek]

Amazing, Jina !! Have a good time :-)

[@jinsjewelry]

Thanks, Petr :)

[@jacquess1641]

Amazing indeed!!

[@jinsjewelry]

Thank you, Jacques 😀 I just LOVE Sierra Mountains!

[@SteveSacramento]

Hi Jina I just subscribed to your channel and I am very much enjoying your hikes! Thank you for sharing!

[@jinsjewelry]

Thank you for your kind comments, Steve 😀