Cold Spring Mountain

Overview

 Cold Spring Mountain is the high point on the Walker Ridge that rises above Indian Valley Reservoir. The Walker Ridge Road (passable to all cars) takes you on an open viewed ride gaining elevation out of Cache Creek Wilderness. The views from the top of of Cold Spring are outstanding. On this clear January day i was there the Sutter Buttes and the Sierra were clear and the valley was covered with ground fog. There are fine views of the high peaks of the Mendocino National Forest over Indian Valley Reservoir to the west and north as well as Konocti and the Mayacamas Mountains to the southwest.

Getting There

  From the junction of Hwy. 20 and 53 take 20 17 miles to Walker Ridge Road.
From Williams take 20 18 miles to the junction with Hwy 16. Continue right on 20 6.6 miles to Walker Ridge Road.
Take Walker Ridge Road 5.4 miles to a junction. Left goes down to Indian Valley Reservoir. Go right and continue on Walker Ridge Road another 3 miles to the top of Cold Springs Mountain.

Route

 The route is pretty much the drive. It gets a little bumpy for about a mile along the way before the top. You can get out and explore the large open summit area. There is a small trail adjacent to the road the offers enjoyable views out over the reservoir and the mountains beyond.

Red Tape

 I saw no posted restrictions.
Click on this link for Indian Valley/Walker Ridge Bureau of Land Management for more info on land use.

When to Drive

 When the road is open. It could easily be snowed in in winter. Could be washouts as well.

Images

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