(June 2020)
My coworkers and I planned our first post-lockdown hike – Eagle Lake. The two-hour drive to the trailhead, the never-ending incline, the scramble up the rocky mountain and the multiple mental breakdowns I had during this hike challenged me. However, the views of the lake were definitely worth it. Hiking with people who encourage you to make it to the top was also definitely worth it. The dinner and the pies we grabbed at Silver City on the way back to town was the cherry on top for this difficult hike!
Mineral King to Eagle Lake Trail
Length: 6.5 miles (out and back); my watch recorded 7ish miles
Elevation: 2,214 ft (hike starts at just about 7,800 ft)
Directions: Take HWY198 and right before entering Sequoia National Park, make a right on to Mineral King Rd and take the 25-mile drive (approximately 2 hours) until it stops at the Eagle-Mosquito Lake Trailhead. The drive is a long one so plan accordingly if planning to hike in and out in one day!