Hite Cove Trail — Attraction in Oakhurst

I hiked at Hite Cove twice this spring, less than two weeks apart. The first time was in late March. I had heard the wildflowers were in peak bloom, so I wanted to check it out. The reports were correct - the wildflowers were spectacular. California poppies and fiddleneck plants were the stars. Entire hillsides appeared as if they had been painted orange. It was truly amazing!

I returned about ten days later to get a second dose of this beauty. While I did find much beauty on this second visit and would not say I was disappointed, I will say that the poppies and fiddlenecks were about 90% expired. In their place, the bluish-purple lupines were in full bloom and the thistle plants were beginning to open, along with many others. There was much color all around, just not quite as dramatic as it had been in late March.

If you follow this trail to its end, it's approximately four miles each way. You will find some abandoned mining equipment toward the end. During the hike you will find yourself on hilly, rocky terrain, often with steep drop-offs. The trail is often narrow. Nevertheless, I think it is suitable for most skill levels and ages. Some of the hill climbs are steep, as it rises from near river-level up the hillside to well above the river. Unfortunately, most of the trees were scorched a couple years ago during the Ferguson Fire, so shade is sparse.

There is a lot of poison oak along this trail, although it is off to the side generally easy to avoid as long as you are paying attention. Because of the poison oak, steep drop-offs and popularity of this trail, I would not recommend it as particularly dog-friendly, although I did come across several people with...

Hite Cove Trail is all about spring wild flowers. The trailhead is located by the side of highway 140, right after the Yosemite Redbud Lodge. Just remember it is about 1 mile after you cross the one lane bridge with traffic light. You need to park on the other side of Redbug Lodge Hotel, which can hold up to a dozen cars. The wild flower starts on mid-march (that is the time review photoes were taken), but will reach its peak at the end of march, or early April, depending on the weather.

The trail itself is not well maintained, and very narrow. The first two mile is on the cliff of the south fork of Merced river. If you have acrophobia, stay away. On the first hill, just behind the hotels, you will start to see patches of california poppy, the state flowers. Further along the trail, you will see lupine, clover, fiddlenecks, popcorn, and lovely redbuds. After two miles, you will descend to the Merced river, where most flowers are behind you. Unless you are very interested in seeing the remnants of the 1800's mining town at the end of trail, you do not need to finish the whole trail, which is 4.5 mile one way, with a total elevation over 700 feet.

Most parts of the trail are unshaded, so do not forget the sunscreen, and water. Of course, it will be a pity if you leave your camera or smart phone in the car because it is a very...

This trail is absolutely amazing, especially during this time of the year (Spring) when the wildflowers are in full bloom. This trails is about 9 miles round trip out and back. Parking is available on the side of the highway, although I did see an old "No Parking" sign that was so faint, you would not even know which way it's pointing. People parked there regardless.

Best views are at the beginning of the trail, but at the end you will find some history with abandoned coal mining equipment all over and an old shack. The beginning of the trail has some shade from trees, but still most of it in in full sun, especially at noon when the mountains don't protect you from it. I brought sunscreen with me and had to reapply several times throughout the hike. The earlier you start, the better. We started at 9 AM, and I think this was already too late. If you can, start around 6ish, this way you are not hiking back in blazing heat.

Water is essential on this trail. I usually bring 1.5L and have at least half left, but this time I drank the full water bladder.

While the trail runs along the side of the mountain, I did not have my usual fear of heights. It is rated as strenuous, but if you are in a good shape, I would say it is moderate due to distance.

This is one of the best hikes...