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SEKI Wilderness Permit — Mineral King — Sawtooth Pass Road permit area in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks - backcountry hiking destination
Each entry point carries its own quota

SEKI Wilderness Permit — Mineral King — Sawtooth Pass Road

Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks · California

Wilderness permit for Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks via Mineral King — Sawtooth Pass Road.

Get an alert when Sawtooth Pass opens on your dates.

Get alerts for your Sawtooth Pass dates

A Sawtooth Pass permit is booked by the day you start. Tell us every date you'd go and we'll ping you the second one of them opens up.

Leave the second date blank if only one day works. A wider window catches more openings.

Party

70% of the openings our scanner caught on Sawtooth Pass were gone within 10 minutes.

Sawtooth Pass reservation dates

max group size
15people

How to get a Sawtooth Pass permit

As of September 2026, Sawtooth Pass in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, California requires a permit issued via reservation. Sawtooth Pass rates 6/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Sawtooth Pass permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens.

Type
Overnight
Location
CA
  1. Step 1: Create a National Park Service account

    Sign up at National Park Service if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.

  2. Step 2: Know the release schedule

    Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.

  3. Step 3: Be ready when permits drop

    Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.

  4. Step 4: Monitor for cancellations

    If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.

More on Sawtooth Pass: Live availability activityWhen Sawtooth Pass permits open up

When to hike Sawtooth Pass

Weather Forecast

Trailhead (5,000 ft)

⚠️

Backcountry Tips

  • Day 4: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 5: Extreme heat (96°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.
  • Day 6: Extreme heat (99°F). Carry extra water, start at dawn.

Today

☁️

76°

58°

Tue

☀️

81°

60°

Wed

☀️

91°

67°

Thu

☀️

96°

71°

Fri

☁️

96°

73°

Sat

☁️

99°

74°

Sun

☀️

99°

75°

View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.

Sawtooth Pass rules, gear and safety

Safety & planning

Emergency Info

Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Sawtooth Pass.

Food Storage

Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.

Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Sawtooth Pass · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides

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Sawtooth Pass FAQ

How do I get a Sawtooth Pass permit?

PermitSnag alerts you the moment a Sawtooth Pass cancellation opens, so you can book it before anyone else. Sawtooth Pass permits use a reservation system.

When is the best time to visit Sawtooth Pass?

Season dates are on the agency's page. Weekdays have better availability than weekends.

How competitive is the Sawtooth Pass permit?

This permit has a demand score of 6/10, making it moderately competitive.

What if I can't get a Sawtooth Pass permit?

Cancellations happen daily. Set up alerts with PermitSnag to get notified the moment a spot opens up. Pro and $19 single-permit alerts are checked about every minute, 24/7; free accounts are checked hourly.

Sawtooth Pass trail conditions and trip reports

Trail Conditions

No active conditions reported

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Questions

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Trip Reports

Write Report

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Alternatives to a Sawtooth Pass permit

Where to stay near Sawtooth Pass

Plan the full trip, not just the permit

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Add your dates and get a day-by-day plan: what needs a permit, what gear to bring, and one link to share with your whole group to coordinate every step.

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