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MINERAL KING TRAILHEAD

TRIP 7

Cold Springs Trail

DH

DISTANCE: 1.2 miles, point-to-point

ELEVATION: 7,480′/7,810′, +350′/-20′/±740′

SEASON: Late May through October

USE: Moderate

MAPS: USGS’s Mineral King or SNHA’s Mineral King

INTRODUCTION: Most trails emanating from Mineral King climb steeply out of the valley. A rare exception, the Cold Springs Trail gently ascends along the East Fork Kaweah River between Cold Springs Campground and the Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead. Diehard backcountry types won’t find the short trail very challenging, but the path is well suited for a family outing or an easy afternoon stroll. The scenery of Mineral King is always rewarding, and the short nature trail loop is an informative way to get acquainted with the ecology and history of the area.

DIRECTIONS TO TRAILHEAD:

START: From the east end of Three Rivers, leave Highway 198 and turn onto Mineral King Road. Follow the road for 22 miles to the Cold Springs Campground entrance, 2.5 miles past Silver City. Cross a bridge over East Fork Kaweah River and turn left at the first intersection. Travel 0.1 mile to the small parking area near Campsite 6.

END: Continue past the Cold Springs Campground entrance another 1.2 miles, passing the ranger station on the way, to the Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead parking area at the end of the road.

DESCRIPTION: From the trailhead, head upstream along the south bank of East Fork Kaweah River on gently graded tread, crossing a grassland dotted with aspens, cottonwoods, and a plethora of wildflowers in early summer. Reach a junction with the Cold Springs Nature Trail about 0.1 mile from the campground. The nature trail has interpretive signposts with pertinent information about the flora, geology, and mining history of Mineral King. The nature trail shortly loops back to the main trail.

The Cold Springs Trail continues upstream from the nature trail, passing delightful ponds and tumbling cascades well suited for wading and fishing. Farther on, switchbacks lead away from the river and into a stand of red firs. Beyond the trees, you emerge onto sagebrush-covered slopes, cross a number of side streams on wood bridges, and then descend rock steps to the final stretch of trail, passing several old cabins on the way to the Eagle-Mosquito Trailhead.