Deer Cove Trail

Deer Cove Trail (#30E01, ref 30E01) is a long-distance hike in the Monarch Wilderness / Kings Canyon backcountry area, starting from the Deer Cove Trailhead on the shoulder of Highway 180 about 1.5 miles east of the Grizzly Falls recreation area. The route is mapped as a long-distance hiking trail and is associated with extremely strenuous, rugged terrain in the Monarch Wilderness network.

From the trailhead, the ascent begins immediately and climbs steeply through dense forest—oaks, pines, firs (including red and white fir), and incense cedars—using a series of switchbacks as you move above Deer Cove Creek.

Early mileage builds the steep work: Deer Cove Creek is a key water point around the 2-mile mark, and by about 3.5 miles you reach Deer Cove Saddle. After the saddle, the trail continues with repeated switchbacks until it approaches the Wildman Meadow area around 5.5 miles.

Wildman Meadow is reached as part of this route, but it has been heavily impacted by an old hunter’s camp; there are structures and old garbage there. The Forest Service advises against camping in the meadow itself and notes limited reliable water at Wildman Meadow.

Past Wildman Meadow, the hike pushes toward Grizzly Lakes and the 11,000 ft peak of Mount Harrington. The trail passes the junctions that connect toward Choke Creek and other backcountry links, then makes a final climb toward Deer Cove Saddle and onward to Grizzly Lakes.

The route is in poor condition and has not had much maintenance in several years. Downed trees and areas where the original tread is lost (with user-created horse/cattle routes) are reported, with issues including tread problems, water-bar problems, and overgrowth; hikers should plan for heavy route-finding and significant elevation gain.

More information: Conditions, Visitor information, Mount Harrington via Deer Cove Trail | Fresno County