The Bureau of Reclamation’s interpretive evening programs and hikes at New Melones Lake for the coming months has been established.

All activities are free of charge, suitable for all ages, and do not require reservations. Children must be accompanied by an adult.



Creepy Crawlies of New Melones Lake

Friday, October 28, 7 p.m.

New Melones Lake Visitor Center

Come out for an evening to discover some of the “scary” critters at New Melones Lake. Find out about their importance in our ecosystem and why they’re really not scary at all. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m.



Creepy Crawlies of Natural Bridges Hike

Sunday October 30, 10 a.m.

Natural Bridges Trail

Explore the wonders along the Natural Bridges Trail with Ranger Hilary. Gain a better understanding of the unique ecosystems that make up this area. They will bring along microscopes and examine some of the creepy crawlies we find along the way. This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 2 miles roundtrip. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. They will meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead off of Parrotts Ferry Road, approximately 3 miles north of Columbia. Participants may return uphill on their own. No dogs are allowed on the trail.



Let’s Talk Turkey

Friday, November 11, 7 p.m.

New Melones Lake Visitor Center

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, come down to the Visitors Center for an evening of fun and learning about the history of the Turkey. They will discuss their unique evolution and symbolic importance to our nation. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m .and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m.



Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk Hike

Sunday, November 13, 10 a.m.

Table Mountain

Now that you know a few things about Turkeys, let’s go find some! You will search in the grassy oak woodlands at the base of Table Mountain then climb to the top to enjoy the grand views of New Melones Lake. This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike, 3 miles roundtrip, with a steady 1/2 mile climb to the top of Table Mountain. Please bring water, snacks or lunch and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. They will meet at the corner of Shell and Rawhide Roads at 10 a.m.



Thanksgiving Holiday Hike

Saturday, November 26, 10 a.m.

Angels Creek, Glory Hole Recreation Area

Work off that extra helping of stuffing as we walk around the Angels Creek Loop in Glory Hole

Recreation Area. Help the ranger search for and examine some of the plants and animals that make New Melones their home. This is a mild 2.5-mile hike. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes that are appropriate for hiking. They will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to the trailhead. All participants will be given a parking pass good for the duration of the event.



The Little Engine that Could

Friday, December 9, 7 p.m.

New Melones Lake Visitor Center

Learn about the Little Engine that Could. Jamestown and Angels Camp had a tiny railway that traversed through the rolling hills. Enjoy a historical presentation of its journey. Arts and crafts begin at 7 p.m. and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 p.m.




“Gee-Whiz” Point Hike

Sunday, December 11, 10 a.m.

New Melones Visitor Center

Experience the Mother Lode’s past while we follow the tracks that traversed through the winding foothills. This is an easy 2.5-mile hike along the old Sierra Railroad tracks. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to the trailhead.



Holiday Nature Hunt Hike

Monday, December 26, 10 a.m.

Heron Point, Tuttletown Recreation Area

Hike along with a ranger on the Heron Point trail in search of a diversity of natural wonders. Find everything on the Nature Hunt worksheet and win a prize. This is an easy 2-mile hike. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. They will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to the trailhead. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event.



• MORE DETAILS: If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at 209-536-9094, extension 215, or email tneal@usbr.gov, a minimum of 14 days in advance.