Spring in the Merced River Canyon

The Merced River is a very special place for viewing wildflowers. A most spectacular display can be seen during the spring and early summer months. For those less inclined to hike, the river can be accessed by car along a six mile BLM road (the old Yosemite railroad grade) beginning at the Briceburg Visitor Center and ending at the three BLM campgrounds. Beyond the campgrounds, only pedestrians and bicycles can continue along the ungroomed 18-mile river trail.



http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/mflowers.html

just drove up 140 this afternoon, and yep, as Julie Andrews said, "the hills are alive..."
(but just in certain places)

from around 4 miles down from the geology exhibit at the bridge that takes you around the landslide:

Thank for the photos. Spring in the Merced River Canyon always has a way of sneaking up on you. Boom hello spring!

It gave me the feeling of time travel when I'd be up in my dark, cold cabin near Curry and the venture forth down
the 140 to find a whole 'nother world out there experiencing the future. Haha it will be spring again! Plants will break dormancy!

Wish I could get out to Hites Cove. Even just going out o the trail for the first 1/4 - 1/2 mile or so, big displays of flowers.
That's always a nice little leg stretcher to break up a drive.

Anyone been on the Hite Cove trail? Any updates?

Stopped at Hite Cove on the way out of the Valley on Easter. Got a quick look in the fading light. Poppies were a little small and closing up, but they are coming in nicely. Probably peak in the next couple of weeks. Definitely worth a stop if you are passing by.







Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2012 10:41AM by yosemitejim.

I got a couple of peekchures for you last Saturday along 140
and Hite Cove. Guess you saw for yourself.
Berry nice.

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I'd like to see your pictures. Especially along 140.

I only took a couple.

Here's one from 140 and one from the Hite Cove trail. We did drive a bit west of Briceburg but there wasn't much.
On the way out 120 a lot of yellow color in the foothills.

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You're the best Chick-on.