Cold Canyon/Brown Peak (FR3S26)

Dogs Off-leash

Features Birding · Spring · Views · Wildflowers

There are no restrooms or services. Fellow hikers will be few if any. Cell service is spotty at best. If you opt to travel in this area, be fully self-reliant. Due to tree mortality from bark beetles, downed trees may be a common obstacle as you traverse this trail.

After you pass Cold Canyon Creek at the beginning of the hike, there are no places to grab water; plan ahead and bring adequate water for this strenuous hike. Be aware. Be prepared.

Access to the dirt road is restricted by a gate that keeps out all but authorized vehicles, creating a wonderful place for a hike. The trail ascends high above the Merced River Canyon offering magnificent views. The trail is also known as Sierra National Forest Road "3S26." Some mapping apps have incorrectly named it "!Tuolumne River Road." While the trail starts in the mixed oak and conifer forest, the oaks eventually give way to a forest of Douglas Fir trees.

From the top of the trail at the ridge, hikers can soak in the views of the surrounding mountains. The ridge trail, whether traveling east or west, is in poor shape and needs extensive restoration. From the end of the trail at the saddle, hikers skilled in navigation with a map and compass could scramble off-trail to nearby Brown Peak, though the top is broad with no clear point.

Hiking & Backpacking: There are no established campgrounds, however dispersed camping is allowed. Any campers who would like to have a campfire must get a permit from the Sierra National Forest. Respect any burn bans, as you do not want to be the cause of another wildfire.

History: The Cold Canyon Road was cut in order to reach timber and mineral resources at the top of the mountain. Canty Meadow was at one time the site of a lumber mill, but with a drying climate, the water seep in the "meadow" is mostly dry, and the forest of sugar pine and ponderosa pine is no more. The "Gibbs Mine" is located at the end of the road on the south-facing slope.

Mountain Bikes: Mountain bikes are allowed on National Forest trails, however bikers may find navigating over and around downed trees difficult. The trail is not maintained for bikes, and any bikers should expect a rugged experience.

The trail threads through a mixed oak and conifer forest typical of the Sierra Foothills, eventually leading to a Douglas Fir forest in the higher elevations. Poison oak makes its appearance in the lower part of the trail, so keep an eye out for this itch-inducing plant. It's a great springtime hike with wildflowers. Pro tip - hike this in late April. Raptors, jays, bluebirds, woodpeckers and songbirds are abundant.

Bears, mule deer, mountain lions and coyotes also live in the area. Be watchful for rattlesnakes too. If one opts to camp overnight, use of a bear container is highly recommended to keep the bears wild and safe.