SONORA – The Bureau of Reclamation announces the spring interpretive programs at New Melones Lake.
These Ranger-led activities support the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move Outside initiative which encourages children and their families to enjoy outdoor activities that abound in every city, town and community. All activities are free and suitable for all ages; most do not require reservations. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather. A water bottle and sunscreen are recommended. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Winter Wonderland Kayak
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m.
Carson Creek, Glory Hole Recreation Area
Experience the beauty of New Melones from a unique perspective on this ranger-led paddling tour. Launching from Glory Hole Point, we will hug the shoreline past the Marina and up Carson Creek in hopes of seeing the seasonal Carson Creek waterfall in its full glory! Along the way, the group will discuss the recent changes to the recreational water use zones that began in April 2012 and what it means for the Carson Creek inlet. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Expect to be out for three hours. Participants need to bring their own boat, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Ranger Hilary at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. Participants will be given a parking pass for the duration of the event.
Mountain Bike Peoria Wildlife Area
Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.
Peoria Wildlife Management Area
Come experience the far side of New Melones Lake where miles and miles of trails meander through the Peoria Wildlife Management Area. Join Ranger Alicia to discover the trails less traveled and learn why it is designated a Wildlife Management Area. This strenuous mountain biking event will cover 10 miles of trails. Participants will need to bring their own bike and helmet. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. To register, please contact Ranger Hilary at 209-536-9094 ext. 236. We will meet at the Peoria Wildlife Equestrian Staging Area on Peoria Flat Road at 10 a.m.
Saint Patrick’s Day Pot O’ Gold Hunt
Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m.
Heron Point Trail, Tuttletown Recreation Area
Leprechauns have hidden a pot of gold along the Heron Point trail! Follow the rainbow of clues focusing on the natural resources that flourish in this area and see if you strike it rich! This is an easy 2.5-mile hike around the Heron Point loop trail. Meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and caravan down to the Heron Point trailhead. Participants will be given a parking pass for the duration of the event.
Mushrooms of New Melones Lake
Sunday, March 24, 10 a.m.
Table Mountain
Join Ranger Hilary in discovering some of the fungi around us. Learn about their importance, identification, habitats, life cycles and dangers. Search for fungi along this easy 1-mile trail that leads to the base of Table Mountain. Participants will have the option of returning on their own or participating in a strenuous climb to the top of Table Mountain to enjoy the grand views of New Melones Lake. We will meet at the corner of Rawhide Road and Shell Road at 10 a.m.
Holiday Geocaching
Saturday, March 30, 10 a.m.
Buck Brush Trail, Glory Hole Recreation Area
Can you outsmart the Bunny? Bring your GPS and find out! Ranger Greg has set up a Geocaching course along the Buck Brush trail. Learn tips of the trade as you come out to join the Geocaching craze! Fabulous prizes will be awarded. Participants must bring their own equipment. This is an easy 2-mile hike around the Buck Brush loop. Meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and caravan down to the Buck Brush trailhead. Participants will be given a parking pass for the duration of the event.
Wildflowers of the Mother Lode
Sunday, April 7, 10 a.m.
Angels Creek, Glory Hole Recreation Area
Come out and enjoy a springtime hike while learning how to identify some of the wildflowers that blanket the Mother Lode this time of year! This is a moderate 2.5-mile hike along the Angels Creek trail. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and caravan down to the Angels Creek trailhead. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event.
“Gee Whiz” Point Hike
Sunday, April 14, 10 a.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Learn about the little engine that could. Experience the Mother Lode’s past while you follow the tracks that traversed through the winding foothills from Angels Camp to Jamestown. Come see for yourself why this vantage point was given the name “Gee Whiz!” This is an easy 2.5-mile hike along the old Sierra Railroad tracks. Meet at the New Melones Visitor Center at 10 a.m. and caravan to the Highway 49/Stevenot Bridge Overlook to begin the hike.
Customer Appreciation Day
Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
New Melones Dam Overlook, Peoria Wildlife Area
This is our day to say “Thank You” to everyone who visits New Melones Lake! The $8 day use fee will be waived in the Tuttletown and Glory Hole Recreation Areas. You will also open the access road to the Dam Overlook in the Peoria Wildlife Area. Venture out to experience this rare vantage point of the dam. A booth will be set up at the overlook to answer your questions about the history of New Melones Lake and how the reservoir came to be.
Coyote Creek Kayaking Excursion
Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center
Coyote Creek inlet tells a geologic story of the Mother Lode. Join Ranger Hilary to discover some of these formations as we traverse up Coyote Creek. The group will launch from the Mark Twain Day Use Area and traverse across the lake and up Coyote Creek. This will be a strenuous paddling tour. Expect to be out on the water for 4 hours. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Participants need to bring their own boat, USCG-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Ranger Hilary at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 a.m.
Cinco de Mayo History Hike
Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m.
Duchess Mine Trail, Parrotts Ferry Bridge Parking Area on Calaveras County Side
Learn about the trials and tribulations Hispanic miners faced during the California gold rush as we hike along the Duchess Mine trail. This is a strenuous 3.5-mile hike to the top of Table Mountain. We will meet at the parking area on the Calaveras County side of the Parrotts Ferry Bridge at 10 a.m.
The Flora and Fauna of Natural Bridges
Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.
Natural Bridges
Hike along with Ranger Hilary to discover the diverse plant communities down the Natural Bridges trail. This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill 1-mile hike. Participants may return up-hill on their own. Feel free to bring a lunch and swimming suit and stay to enjoy the rest of the afternoon. Meet in the parking lot of Natural Bridges located off of Parrotts Ferry Road at 10 a.m. No dogs are allowed on the trail.
Angels Creek Kayak
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.
Angels Creek Boat Launch, Glory Hole Recreation Area
In the spirit of the Frog Jump of Calaveras County weekend, you will traverse up the Angels Creek inlet in search of some jumping frogs. Starting at the Angels Creek Boat Launch in the Glory Hole Recreation Area, we will hug the shoreline and head up Angels Creek inlet. This outing is open to experienced swimmers with their own kayak or other non-motorized boat. Expect to be out paddling for 3 hours. Participants need to bring their own boat, USCG-approved life jacket (properly fitted and serviceable), paddles, sunscreen, hat, water and lunch. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please contact Ranger Hilary at 209-536-9094 ext. 236 to reserve your place at this event. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station Area at 10 a.m. Participants will be given a parking pass for the duration of the event.
Individuals who would like to participate in a program and need accommodation should contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094 ext. 215 or email tneal@usbr.gov a minimum of 14 days in advance. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions or other questions, please call the New Melones Visitor Center and Museum at 209-536-9543 (TTY 800-877-8339) or visit the New Melones Lake website at http://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/index.html. The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
