Yosemite Naitonal Park – Hiking Yosemite and Beyond

March 16, 2013
Hite Cove Trail, Mariposa County
Total distance walked: 4.5 miles

Being out on a hike after a long winter indoors felt incredible. The sunny walk today was a true blessing; it lifted my spirits and, unfortunately, sunburned my scalp because I left my hat at home.

For our first spring hike, Mary Elizabeth and I traversed the slender trail that meandered over the hills. The tread was loose as the trail rose above the southern fork of the Merced River hugging the hillside. There were some spots where the drop-off was sheer. We could hear the sound of water rushing as it scurried along scouring the boulders smooth.

It was evident by the number of photographers on the trail that word is out: the flowers have arrived!

Although spring has not officially arrived, the trail was lined with a variety of wildflowers, presenting a vibrant kaleidoscope of colors.

Yet, it was the poppies that stole the show. The colorful display arrived early this year, possibly a result of the unseasonably warm weather.

A gentle breeze cooled us, while in the distance, the rhythmic knocking of a woodpecker could be heard.

Even the colorful lichen seemed to join in the celebration.

We wandered down the rough and jagged steps to the water’s edge, then decided to turn back rather than continue to the cove where an old, abandoned mining settlement lies. Our sole objective was to see the flowers that were abundant in the initial two miles of the trail.