Click on photo for more information.Visiting Case Mountain Recreation Area
by Laurie Schwaller
Miles of scenic year-round multi-use hiking, biking, and equestrian trails in BLM’s Case Mountain Recreation Area lead through beautiful foothill oak woodlands, up the mountain to Salt Creek Falls, and on through mixed conifer forest to giant sequoia groves and panoramic vistas from the 6,800′ crest (over 10 miles and 6,500′ of elevation gain from the Skyline Drive and Craig Ranch trailheads in Three Rivers).
This grand landscape is easily accessible for backpackers, campers, dog walkers, equestrians, fisher folk and hunters (seasonal, license required), hikers and runners, picnickers, photographers, and wildflower and wildlife lovers. The night skies are wonderful, too (but the parking lots close at 8:00 p.m., so be sure your vehicle is outside the gate before then).
There are no facilities (except for some well-placed picnic tables) once you’re on the trails, so always practice Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics while you’re here (there is a restroom in the parking lot). Carry plenty of water, carry out any waste, respect the wildlife (and the wandering cows and horses, too), be considerate of other visitors, and leave this special place as beautiful as you found it.
November 2025
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Maps & Directions:
The Craig Ranch parking lot is at 36.453069, -118.862443; the Skyline lot is at 36.453059, -118.869752.
Directions:
From Visalia, go east on Hwy 198 into Three Rivers. About 2 miles past the Three Rivers Historical Museum, immediately after a small stone bridge, see the big sign for St. Anthony’s Retreat and turn right onto Craig Ranch Road. Follow the road straight ahead (do not turn left onto the road to the Retreat) for about one mile to the large BLM Craig Ranch parking lot (has trailer staging for equestrians).
Alternatively, in Three Rivers on Hwy 198, turn right just past the Memorial Building onto Skyline Drive and follow this narrow, very curving road for about a mile to the small parking lot at its end.
Both parking lots are trailheads. No motorized use on the trails or anywhere beyond the parking lots.
Parking area hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. Overnight parking is prohibited.
NOTE: Speed limit is 15 mph on both Craig Ranch Road and Skyline Drive. Do not block driveways or park on these streets.
