Empire Mountain

Overview

This mountain lies just beneath Sawtooth Peak. Provides a great sheet of snow early in the season, but I'm sure it melts into a huge slope of rocks later in the summer. A great beginner mountain for anyone interested in trying out the sport.

Getting There

Route 198 from Vasalia to Sequoia Ntl. Park. Turn right on Mineral King rd. three miles outside of three rivers. Take Mineral King Rd. 25 miles until Timber Gap Trailhead. Take the trail up Mineral King Valley towards Sawtooth Pass. Empire Mountain is the shorter peak to the left of Sawtooth Peak.

Red Tape

"Entrance fee for Sequoia National Park is $20 per private vehicle for 7 days, or $5 per person walking in or on bus for 7 days. Back country camping requires a free wilderness permit. Obtain Trail Permit at Mineral King Ranger Station.

Mineral King Ranger Station: On Mineral King Road, 24 miles east of Hwy. 198. Maps, local wilderness permits, first aid, bear canisters. Daily 7am - 3:30pm June through early September. After that, wilderness permits are available on the porch of the station. Call Sequoia National Park at 559-565-3341 and ask for Mineral King Ranger Station." -Sawtooth Peak page

When to climb

Very late Spring into the Summer and early Fall. Snow on Mineral King Rd. is not plowed in the Winter so reaching the mountain during snow season is difficult, requiring a cross country ski approach.

External Links

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Images

View Empire Mountain Image Gallery - 9 Images