Upper and Lower Regal Lakes nestle amidst the lofty peaks of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Sequoia National Park. A challenging ascent to 10,600 feet unveils striking vistas of Sawtooth Peak, Mineral Peak, and the enchanting Mineral King Valley leading up to Upper Regal Lake. Glistening like jewels, the pristine lakes are nestled within a glacial cirque, beckoning wanderers to behold the splendor of California’s High Sierra wilderness. Nestled within the 15,600-acre Mineral King Region of Sequoia National Park, the Regal Lakes are a marvel. The glacially sculpted Mineral King Valley stretches for approximately two miles in the southern Sierras, ascending from 7,400 feet to over 7,800 feet. Towering peaks of the Great Western Divide encircle the valley, some reaching heights exceeding 12,000 feet. Mineral King’s isolation was broken in the 1870s with the discovery of silver, leading to the construction of Mineral King Road in 1879. The valley saw transitions from mining to lumber, tourism, and hydroelectric industries, eventually falling under the protection of the Sierra Forest Reservation in 1893. Having witnessed various debates over private development, Mineral King, including the magnificent Regal Lakes, was incorporated into Sequoia National Park in 1978. Today, discussions revolve around restoring the sites to their natural splendor within the vast wilderness of Sequoia and Kings Canyon. The original Mineral King Road winds 25 miles from Highway 198, providing the sole access to the park’s southern wilderness. Monarch Lakes and the surrounding valley are remote enclaves within Sequoia National Park, with access limited during the snowy months. The journey to Upper and Lower Regal Lakes unfolds beneath the towering Sawtooth Peak. The Sawtooth Trail, also known as the Monarch Lake/Crystal Lake Trail, meanders through alpine meadows before delving into red fir and pine forests. Monarch Canyon opens as the woodland gives way to rocky terrain, leading hikers on a 1,200-foot ascent to Sawtooth Pass. At the summit awaits the picturesque Lower Regal Lake, with its quartz-mile shore and babbling creek cascading along the northwest slope. Venture an extra half-mile to Upper Regal Lake and be rewarded with a sweeping panorama of White Chief Peak, Farewell Gap, and the valley sculpted by the East Fork of the Kaweah River. An early 20th-century dam still stands along the lake’s shore, a testament to the area’s history. Southern California Edison Company now regulates the water flow from Upper Regal Lake, channeling it to their hydroelectric facility. While details on fishing in the Regal Lakes are scarce, numerous rivers, streams, and lakes within Sequoia and Kings Canyon beckon anglers with rainbow trout, brown trout, and brook trout. The opportunity to explore the backcountry with guides and pack horses is abundant, offering a chance to connect with nature in a unique setting. Various branches of the Kaweah River near Regal Lakes provide ample fishing opportunities, with regulations varying based on elevation and tributary. Situated next to Sequoia National Park, the charming town of Three Rivers provides an ideal starting point for discovering the region’s treasures. In California’s great outdoors, Three Rivers offers a sanctuary for individuals seeking adventure and a close connection with nature, all while surrounded by the spectacular majesty of this wilderness, including the breathtaking Regal Lakes.