The Calaveras River Bike Path also accommodates hikers and joggers.

It takes you alongside one of Stockton’s levees not to mention some of the neighborhoods and communities.

The University of the Pacific makes for a nice stop – a hop, skip and a jump from the on-campus pedestrian bridge that crosses the Calaveras River – especially the DeRosa University Center, which is home to The Lair, the Marketplace, and the Calaveras Coffee House.

The iffy spot on the trail is anything between El Dorado Street and West Lane heading east, in particular, the area that runs parallel with crime-riddled East Bianchi Avenue.

DIRECTION: From Interstate 5 (north), take the March Lane exit. Go left on to Brookside Road and catch up with trail at Brookside School or any place along that route.

LOCATION: Brookside Road to N. Ijams Road, 6.71 miles of asphalt surface.

INFORMATION: www.traillink.com/trail/calaveras-river-bike-path.aspx.



Other area hikes includes:

Oak Grove Regional Park

Inside this park is an extremely easy 1.5-mile nature trail that takes you through majestic oaks. This time of year is the best as the wildflowers are in full bloom.

DIRECTION: From Interstate 5, take the Eight Mile Road exit and go right (east). Cost is $5 per car. The park opens at 9 a.m.

INFORMATION: Log on to www.mgzoo.com/parks/oak-grove-park.htm.



Lake Camanche Recreation

A popular area for families and groups to spend the day relaxing at the lake, Camanche also offers scenic hikes around the North and South shores.

Each trail follows along some rolling hills and meanders through oak groves that offer intermittent shade.

DIRECTIONS: (Camanche South) Highway 12 / Highway 88 through Clements, turning left on south Camanche Parkway at Wallace and continuing about five miles to the South Shore gage; (Camanche North) Highway 88 just left beyond Clements. Take Liberty Road/North Camanche Parkway, turning right on to Camanche Road (opposite of the Lake Camanche Village recreation building) to the North Shore gate.

HOURS OF OPERATION: Electronic gates at North and South Shore are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., year-round.

INFORMATION: Call 209-763-5121 or log on to www.camancherecreation.com.



Mokelumne Coast to Crest

The Coast to Crest Trail opened about two years ago and is described as “charming slice” alongside Mokelumne River near the tiny town known as Paloma.

The easy hike starts at James Bar Trail, and is only .8 miles round-trip from the trailhead. Since it’s located on East Bay Municipal Utility District property, trail permits are required.

LOCATION: The western boundary is at the southwestern end of the Camanche Reservoir while the Eastern boundary can be found along Highway 49 at the Mokelumne River.

INFORMATION: Call the Mokelumne Coast to Crest Trail Council at 209-795-7818 or log on to www.mc2ct.org.



By VINCE REMBULAT
— 209 staff reporter