Hite Cove Trail
El Portal, California
| Address: | Hite Cove Trail, Sierra National Forest, 4938 Hites Cove Trail, El Portal, CA 95318, USA |
| GPS: |
37°38'59.0"N 119°53'6.1"W Maps | Directions |
| State: | California |
National Park
Hike and Swim
This hike is popular among wildflower enthusiasts. Located in Yosemite National Park, Hite Cove trail is one of the areas that blooms earliest for wildflowers. While areas in the high country usually don't see complete snowmelt and wildflower blooming until July, Hite Cove offers park visitors the opportunity beginning earlier in the season.
If visitors just want to walk around and see the flowers, the trail can be about 2-4 miles round trip. However, if they want to go all the way to Hite Cove, it is about a 9 mile round trip hike. Along the way hikers will be able to see where the south and central fork of the Merced River merge and continue until the Pacific. There is not one single spot along the trail that is the most popular. Because of this, there might be a lot of people on the trail but they will be spread out along the trail, making for less congestion. If only going to see the wildflowers, then hikers can turn around at any point in time. About 2 miles into the trail there won't be any new types of wildflowers to see, so feel free to turn around at any time.
Hite Cove used to be a seasonal home to the Ahwahneechee Native Americans and later to a group of gold miners. All artifacts found along the trail and in Hite Cove should remain where they were found.
More Information
Yosemite National Park Itinerary
This Yosemite National Park Itinerary will help you get started as you plan your vacation to Yosemite National Park.
https://www.justgotravelstudios.com/collections/national-park-itineraries/products/yosemite-national-park-itinerary?ref=9zpxis0diinHite Cove Trail | Discover Yosemite National Park
Hite Cove is one of the areas great wildflower spotting hikes. Dozens of flower varieties. See the union of the south and central forks of the Merced River.
https://www.yosemite.com/things-to-do/adventure-activities/hite-cove/Yosemite Hikes: Hite Cove
The Hite Cove Trail, the best early spring (March/Aprilish) wildflower-viewing hike in the Yosemite area
https://www.yosemitehikes.com/not-yosemite/hite-cove/hite-cove.htmBe courteous, informed, and prepared. Read trailhead guidelines, stay on the trail, and don't feed the wildlife.
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- Plan Ahead and Prepare
- Travel & camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Directions
From El Portal, California
- Head west on Foresta Rd (82 ft)
- Turn left to stay on Foresta Rd (453 ft)
- Turn left onto El Portal Rd (0.1 mi)
- Turn right onto CA-140 W (4.5 mi)
- Turn left onto Hites Mine Rd (2.4 mi)
- Turn right onto Hites Cove Trail/Hites Mine RdDestination will be on the left(5.0 mi)
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