Near Hites Cove Trail
South Fork of the Merced River along the Hite's Cove Trail.
Near Hites Cove Trail
South Fork of the Merced River on the Hite's Cove Trail upstream of "swirly-stripped rock."
Near Hites Cove Trail
View to the southwest on Hites Cove Trail in the fall.

Looking for more photos?

View All Photos
Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Hites Cove Trail

4.5 (6 Ratings)
Enjoy spectacular views and wildflowers in the spring, along the South Fork of the Merced River.
3.5
mi
Distance
710
ft
Gain
strenuous
Difficulty
HistoricalRiver/CreekSpringViewsWildflowers

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
3.46mi
Distance
710ft
Elevation Gain
526ft
Elevation Loss
70%
Max Grade
1,643ft
High Point
1,427ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
The trailhead is approximately 100 ft from Savage's Trading Post. There will be a sign which points you in the direction of the trail. The initial part of the trail is somewhat steep. In addition, the first 0.75 miles of the trail traverses private property so respect is of utmost importance as always should be, whether in private or public land. The trail is on the north side of the river so shade is minimal. The trail contours along the side of a mountain and is about 2 feet wide. It offers spectacular views of the South Fork of the Merced River and the surrounding Sierra Nevada National Forest. There is an abundance of wildflowers in the spring which look spectacular. The trail ends at Hite Cove and meets the Hites Cove Mine Rd. which you can follow down to CA route 140. Bug repellent is recommended.

Route Conditions

Report Conditions
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Anonymous Adventurer
All Clear
Looking for more condition reports?
View History

Nearby Hike Routes

Savage-Lundy Loop

Hike Route

Savage-Lundy Loop

Birding
extreme
7.34 mi
+2,508 ft
Merced Grove

Classic Hike Route

Merced Grove

Family Friendly
moderate
3.32 mi
+508 ft
Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Hike Route

Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias

Family Friendly
moderate
2.28 mi
+462 ft
Tamarack and Cascade Creek Tour

Hike Route

Tamarack and Cascade Creek Tour

Birding
strenuous
7.58 mi
+1,729 ft
North Rim Hike: Big Oak Flat Road to Mirror Lake

Hike Route

North Rim Hike: Big Oak Flat Road to Mirror Lake

Views
extreme
24.95 mi
+5,840 ft
Dewey Point

Hike Route

Dewey Point

Views
moderate
7.11 mi
+917 ft
Contributors
Rafael Maravilla