Mountain Springs Peak
Class 2 · 3.5 mi · +1,234 ft
A class 2 trail that follows the rim of the escarpment, up to where it meets the west approach. From there String of Pearls itself heads east: either this or the west approach gets you to it. Any vehicle can park at the start; a high-clearance vehicle can get a bit further up. This is the way in if you don't have a high-clearance vehicle. You can also take this trail to get to Mud Spring Canyon.
Access
The 13-mile Scenic Drive requires a timed-entry reservation October to May and has seasonal gate hours. Calico Basin and Kraft Mountain sit outside the Scenic Drive and need no reservation.