Written by Tyson Baker
Summers in California are meant to be spent outside. A good place to start is the valley of Mineral King. I believe the more days you can spend in the sun-guided trails of Mineral King the better. Being surrounded by the granite peaks, towering pines, and freshly flowing streams with beautiful little trout is a sight so beautiful it will leave you speechless. Summer has come quick and, if you are from the central valley, I’m sure you are probably thinking about finding a nice place to go to escape from the summer heat. Mineral King is an excellent chance to get into higher elevation to cool off and explore the convenience of a place we consider our backyard. Even if you’re not from the surrounding areas, I would still encourage you to consider making a trip out to Mineral King for a couple of days; you won’t be disappointed!
The Parks are starting to open up again which means fun activities like hiking, backpacking, and camping are right around the corner. Time to dust off your outdoor equipment for the summer season! Clean it, treat it, and organize it— making sure it’s ready for days in the sun and nights under the stars. If you are new to Mineral King, start to plan your trip by exploring maps of the area. Find out what trails you want to hike or backpack, but don’t forget to get a wilderness permit if you are planning to camp in the backcountry. You can apply for a permit at NPS.gov. Allow yourself a two-week window before requesting a permit to ensure a spot at your desired backcountry area.
If you are just looking for a day trip, there are plenty of trails to hike for a full day of fun. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring plenty of water!
*Side note—Walk-up permits will not be available this summer due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19), so you will have to request one online.
As the the Coronavirus continues to affect us and impact most of our everyday life, including this summer in Mineral King, let’s remember to Recreate Responsibility. We can learn to adapt, embrace any changes, and make new adventures! Check out the link below to learn more about exploring responsibly in Mineral King and the surrounding areas. Recreate Responsibility
Regardless of how your year has gone, I would like to encourage everyone to still enjoy their summer and have fun! This year has been rough for many of us, in more ways than one, but I hope that each person reading this can find a place of comfort and peace this summer in Mineral King. Don’t forget to breath in the mountain air, savor the sun, walk the trails with a smile, and respect others you see along the way. My hope is that many will choose to embrace and accept this new normal in a positive way so we all can enjoy Mineral King to its fullest, while staying safe at the same time! Here’s to summer in Mineral King! I’m so ready, are you?
Tyson Baker, a California Central Valley native, is more than familiar with what the surrounding landscape has to offer. Tyson has traveled all across this glorious state, picking up nuggets of insight, culture, and what it means to have true grit. As a skilled Barista and Roaster for a local coffee shop, he enjoys slingin’ those espresso shots and bringing a cup of perfectly crafted caffeine-deliciousness to the town’s customers. Aside from coffee, he has a deep passion for writing and creating. His recent endeavor has been to share his writings and stories in hopes that they will inspire, harmonize, educate, and encourage those that read them. You can read more of his little musings on his Instagram page @tysun.baker.
On his days off, Tyson is likely out on some adventure—be it exploring the backcountry in the nearby Sequoia National Park, road-tripping with his buddies, or cruising through country roads, enjoying the uninhabited hillsides, until he reaches the coastline to hunt for coves and sea caves that are calling his name. Though not all adventures are on such a large scale. Sometimes adventures are found in the small things too: like cozying up with a good book that takes his mind away from reality for a bit, or sharing a laugh and a good meal with the people that matter most.
Whatever your adventure is, Tyson wants to tell you this: Don’t be afraid to get out there and experience something new. Explore. Create. Share. And love one another.