Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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Follow wide Mahoney Meadows Rd. as it climbs steeply through open woodlands and then turn left onto broad Poverty Flat Rd. (6.8/1,620'). Remain on Poverty Flat Rd. as it ascends to reach Jackass Trail (7.0/1,790') before descending to a saddle below Jackass Peak (1,784'). A short side trip leads to the level summit and its near-360-degree views. Poverty Flat Rd. plummets past this point to meet Middle Fork Coyote Creek and Creekside Trail (8.2/1,150') arriving from China Hole. The wide streambed of sycamores is a pleasant backdrop to nearby Poverty Flat Trail Camp, which was used as a primary staging area during the Lick Fire.

Poverty Flat Rd. meanders among the camp’s five sites and junctions for Cougar and Middle Ridge Trails, then begins a steady thousand-foot ascent along the flanks of Pine Ridge. Poverty Flat Rd. contours gently and ascends steeply for short, strenuous sections until an intense switchbacking climb at the end deposits you back atop Pine Ridge at the earlier junction with Manzanita Point Rd. (10.2/2,330'). Return to the trailhead on the road or via Springs Trail, which travels along the margin of open oak woodland and past several dribbling springs to reach Corral Trail (11.5/2,510') and the final section back to the visitor center (12.1/2,650').