This is one of the most amazing spring hikes in Northern CA. The only problem is how crowded it can get once word gets out that the flowers are blooming. It’s such a unique landscape. I actually like it best in the winter when no one else is there. The landscape turns a gorgeous green that combined with all of the rock formations kind of looks like the highlands of Scotland. You are definitely right that after April it’s not very fun there … more like a desert environment at that time of year.
I'm not quite sure how it works. Its state owned land. I'm not sure who owns the cows though. I have done some other hikes in CA where its the same thing. So not sure if farmers are renting the land or what the rules are.
