Trumbull Peak Historic and Botanic Special Interest Area (SIA) encompasses 150 acres around Trumbull Peak. It is located on the southern edge of the Stanislaus National Forest, overlooking the Merced River and Canyon. It is accessible by unsurfaced Forest roads from spring through fall. The highest point on the peak stands just over 5,000 feet above sea level.
The SIA’s botanical features include more than 100 other species of wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Some of the more showy common species to be found there include yellow pincushion plant, Applegate’s paintbrush, fiesta flower and blue-top gilia. Because of the peak’s south-facing aspect and position on the rim of the Merced River Canyon, it is influenced by the warm air currents which rise out of the canyon. Many of the plant species found at the peak are usually better known from the lower elevations but able to thrive at 5,000 feet because of the warm air currents. Because of this warm air influence, most of the wildflowers bloom early for the elevation. In addition to the wildflowers at the Trumbull Peak SIA, there is a historic rose bush planted during the logging camp days. The other historical features of the SIA include the Trumbull Peak fire lookout and lookout tender’s house, a railroad logging spur and two railroad logging inclines, and the ruins of a logging camp. An informative brochure is available for purchase from the Groveland Ranger District Office.
The Trumbull Peak SIA has other features of interest. The geology of the Peak and surrounding area is interesting and impressive. Some wildlife species, such as canyon wrens, make their home on Trumbull Peak while others pass through. And, if all of the values that make the Trumbull Peak SIA special are not enough, a modest but lovely view of Yosemite Valley may be had from the Special Interest Area.
There are two hiking trails, each approximately ¼ mile long (1/2 mile round trips). The lower trail terminates at the top of one of the historic logging inclines with a pleasing variety of wildflowers and shrub species to view along the way. The upper trail follows the ridgeline and offers a large assortment of wildflowers, rare plants, shrubs and trees. The upper trail terminates at the historic lookout and lookout tender’s house.
To Reach Trunbull Peak fron Coulterville:
Head east on Main St - Continue straight onto Briceburg Rd - Continue straight on Coulterville Rd - Left on Old Yosemite RD (FR # 2S01) - Slight right on FR #1S12 - Right on FR #2S20 - Straight on FR #3S04.
This route is mostly narrow shelf roads that will more likely leave some brush marks on your vehicle. There are steep sections, some tight turns, small rocks and timber. Additionally there is only room for three maybe four vehicles at the end of the road.
This was nice place to explore.
The last picture is not great, but if you look close you can see Half Dome.
From Trumbull Peak we drove into Foresta and then Yosemite Valley. This drive was a little more challenging but definately doable in a stock 4 wheek drive. The road was very steep in sections with larger rocks and a stream crossing.
To reach Yosemite from Trumbull Peak:
Head North on FR # 3S04 - continue straight on FR # 2S20 - Turn Right on FR # 1S12 - continue straight on Tuolumne - sharp left on Old Coulterville Rd (FR # 2S84) for this to Oak Flat Rd - Right to Yosemite Valley, Left to Crane Flat/Tuolumne Meadows.
We started from Merced and ended at Curry Village (Half Dome Villiage) About 110 miles with 40 of those miles off road, about 4.5 hours driving.
The SIA’s botanical features include more than 100 other species of wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Some of the more showy common species to be found there include yellow pincushion plant, Applegate’s paintbrush, fiesta flower and blue-top gilia. Because of the peak’s south-facing aspect and position on the rim of the Merced River Canyon, it is influenced by the warm air currents which rise out of the canyon. Many of the plant species found at the peak are usually better known from the lower elevations but able to thrive at 5,000 feet because of the warm air currents. Because of this warm air influence, most of the wildflowers bloom early for the elevation. In addition to the wildflowers at the Trumbull Peak SIA, there is a historic rose bush planted during the logging camp days. The other historical features of the SIA include the Trumbull Peak fire lookout and lookout tender’s house, a railroad logging spur and two railroad logging inclines, and the ruins of a logging camp. An informative brochure is available for purchase from the Groveland Ranger District Office.
The Trumbull Peak SIA has other features of interest. The geology of the Peak and surrounding area is interesting and impressive. Some wildlife species, such as canyon wrens, make their home on Trumbull Peak while others pass through. And, if all of the values that make the Trumbull Peak SIA special are not enough, a modest but lovely view of Yosemite Valley may be had from the Special Interest Area.
There are two hiking trails, each approximately ¼ mile long (1/2 mile round trips). The lower trail terminates at the top of one of the historic logging inclines with a pleasing variety of wildflowers and shrub species to view along the way. The upper trail follows the ridgeline and offers a large assortment of wildflowers, rare plants, shrubs and trees. The upper trail terminates at the historic lookout and lookout tender’s house.
To Reach Trunbull Peak fron Coulterville:
Head east on Main St - Continue straight onto Briceburg Rd - Continue straight on Coulterville Rd - Left on Old Yosemite RD (FR # 2S01) - Slight right on FR #1S12 - Right on FR #2S20 - Straight on FR #3S04.
This route is mostly narrow shelf roads that will more likely leave some brush marks on your vehicle. There are steep sections, some tight turns, small rocks and timber. Additionally there is only room for three maybe four vehicles at the end of the road.
This was nice place to explore.
The last picture is not great, but if you look close you can see Half Dome.
From Trumbull Peak we drove into Foresta and then Yosemite Valley. This drive was a little more challenging but definately doable in a stock 4 wheek drive. The road was very steep in sections with larger rocks and a stream crossing.
To reach Yosemite from Trumbull Peak:
Head North on FR # 3S04 - continue straight on FR # 2S20 - Turn Right on FR # 1S12 - continue straight on Tuolumne - sharp left on Old Coulterville Rd (FR # 2S84) for this to Oak Flat Rd - Right to Yosemite Valley, Left to Crane Flat/Tuolumne Meadows.
We started from Merced and ended at Curry Village (Half Dome Villiage) About 110 miles with 40 of those miles off road, about 4.5 hours driving.
