Mineral King
Disney wanted ski resort - environmentalists saved it
State: California
County: Tulare County
Founded: 1873
Mineral King was a silver mining ghost town until Walt Disney proposed a massive ski resort in 1965. Environmentalists fought back—the Supreme Court case Sierra Club v. Morton changed environmental law forever. The ski resort died; Mineral King was added to Sequoia National Park in 1978.
Timeline
- 1873 - Silver Rush Mining boom began.
- 1882 - Bust Silver exhausted. Mining ended.
- 1965 - Disney Proposal Walt Disney proposed ski resort.
- 1972 - Supreme Court Sierra Club v. Morton changed law.
- 1978 - Protected Added to Sequoia National Park.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Summer (road closed winter)
Difficulty: Moderate - winding mountain road
Time Needed: Full day
Tips
- Road has 698 curves in 25 miles
- High elevation destination
- Part of Sequoia National Park
- Marmots chew car wiring—bring tarps
Quick Facts
- Disney wanted to build massive ski resort here
- Supreme Court case changed environmental law
- Road has 698 curves
- Marmots are famous for chewing car wiring
Location
Address: Sequoia National Park, Tulare County, California
Coordinates: 36.4528, -118.5889