The road makes a 90 degree bend 2.5 miles past the fork. There is a private road which joins the main road at this bend. This is the actual trailhead. As indicated, there is no parking permitted in this area. The trail passes some homes and gently ascends through some old ponderosa pines and incense cedars.
Caution needs to be exercised when crossing the river during high water.
For the next mile, the trail stays fairly flat, passing an area of old aspen trees. From here the trail climbs toward the Sierra Crest. At the crest the trail joins the Pacific Crest Trail . Possible destinations which can be reached by following the Pacific Crest trail or some of the spur trails in the area include Squaw Valley, Alpine Meadows, Coldstream Valley and Highway 40. Mountain Meadow Lake is on private land.