If you make a clever east-bound turn off Highway 198, you’ll drive up one of the worst and windiest twenty-five mile sections of paved road in Central California. It’s a good hazing, though—make it through and you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent subalpine valley surrounded by snow-tipped peaks. And the best part? No crowds. The glacial valley dubbed ‘Mineral King’ lies in a portion of national park buried deep in the south-east region of Sequoia National Park, and has its own entrance (one that often evades even the savviest of national park enthusiasts). With a rich history steeped in mining and exploration, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time among the ancient shingled cabins scattered around the valley. At one time, Disney had plans to put a full scale ski resort in this valley. Thankfully that fell through, and it became part of Sequoia National Park.
