Discovering Cold Springs Summit: The Highest Point on California's Sierra Vista Scenic Byway

Cold Springs Summit is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.233m (7,326 feet) above the sea level, located in the County of Madera, at the geographic center of the U.S. state of California.

Cold Springs Summit

Is the road to Cold Springs Summit paved?

The road to the summit is called Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, nicknamed the “Secret Yosemite” Byway. The road is 133km (83 miles) long and has paved and unpaved (slow and bumpy but still manageable in a passenger car) parts.

Is Cold Springs Summit open?

Set high on the western slope of the central Sierra Nevada, the pass is the highest point on the Sierra Vista Scenic Byway. It’s seasonally closed and open June through October.

Is Cold Springs Summit worth it?

Nestled within the Sierra National Forest, maintained by the U.S. Forest Service, the journey offers picturesque views and boundless opportunities for exploration. A quick, effortless stroll from the spacious parking lot, primarily utilized by cyclists, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, leads you through a serene woodland trail to a vantage point. Here, you can gaze upon a lush meadow, framed by majestic pines. Beyond this green expanse, the imposing Madera Mountain looms, soaring over 10,000 feet into the sky. A short distance down a side road, you'll find a 4X4 trail that winds its way to Chilcoot Lake. Conveniently, this stop is also equipped with restroom facilities.

Pic: Vienae Alejandrez (VnA)

 

 

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