The steep downhill trail to the early 19th century Forbush Flat campsite stretches only two miles, but you drop 1,000 feet while entranced by astonishing vistas of Blue Canyon and the Mono Trail rising on the other side.
Wild Pete and I thought to squeeze in this last dry hike before predicted fall rains — which did arrive in mid-November as an historic deluge — and thus Wednesday, Nov. 12 proved to be an auspicious time for our 4.5-mile effort.
Cartographically, we chose the continuation of the Southside Cold Spring Trail, but this path is now the Northside Cold Spring Trail.
Most hikers just call this continuation “the Forbush Trail.” The steep descent would begin a down-and-back to well-known Forbush Camp, always called Forbush Flat back in the day.
I also wanted to drive along the crest of the East Camino Cielo and relax in the long landscapes by glancing south to view a fog-covered sea and the vague silhouette of Santa Cruz Island.
I planned to park at the first concrete water tower where the well-signed southside (frontside) Cold Spring Trail tops out…