Black Kaweah approach map from Mineral King
The most expedient routes to Black Kaweah (and Big Arroyo destinations in general) proceed from Mineral King over Glacier Pass and into Little Five Lakes Basin. Secor frowns upon Hands-and-Knees Pass, but he only describes going over HAN Pass from Cyclamen Lake. The route from Spring Lake is direct, fast, and involves none of the nasty steep-slab traverses noted by Secor. The route over Black Rock Pass is longer and has more elevation gain, although less cross-country.