Spring Activities at New Melones Lake Announced

Written by: Sarah McBride

Mashup of photos from previous years activities at New Melones LakeSpring has sprung! It’s that time of year again and the Mid-Pacific Region’s Central California Area Office at New Melones is excited. The park rangers there have been working hard to prepare a great set of spring activities for 2017. This year the line-up includes hiking, educational programs on geology and natural bridges, stargazing, kayaking and much more. Take a look at the programs we have coming up in March and April or read the whole list here: https://www.usbr.gov/newsroom/newsrelease/detail.cfm?RecordID=58757 .

Mountain Biking in the Motherlode
Saturday, March 11, 6 p.m.
New Melones Lake Visitor Center

Join Sonora Cyclery and Reclamation for a special evening presentation exploring the world of mountain biking. Learn what preparation is needed for a ride and find out where in the Motherlode you can go to take part in this fun, energetic sport; including the extensive mountain biking trail system at New Melones Lake.

We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 6 p.m. and all experience levels are invited to attend to learn more!

Fire to Flowers
Saturday, March 18, 10 a.m.
Glory Hole Recreation Area

During the summer of 2015, a fire took place in the Glory Hole Recreation Area, just north of the Buck Brush Loop Trail. The fire scorched a dry grassland area in and around oak woodland, along Angels Creek. From that destruction came rebirth. Join Park Ranger Sam to discover the floral display that often follows a fire and the unique ecology of the Chaparral ecosystem along the Buck Brush Trail. This is an easy to moderate, 1½ mile, round-trip hike. Please bring water and snacks and be sure to wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and caravan to the Buck Brush Loop Trailhead. Participants will be issued a free parking pass for the duration of the event.

If These Rocks Could Talk!
Sunday, April 2, 10 a.m.
Natural Bridges

The Motherlode’s geology is a source of fascination. One of the more curious geological features of the area is Natural Bridges. Take a hike with Park Ranger Josh and learn how water and time has shaped the landscape. Along the trail, learn a bit about the local flora and fauna. This is a moderate to strenuous, 2-mile, roundtrip hike. Participants may return uphill on their own. Please bring water and snacks and be sure to wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Natural Bridges Trailhead parking lot off of Parrotts Ferry Road at 10 a.m. Dogs are not allowed on the Natural Bridges trail.

A Night with Jupiter
Friday, April 7, 7 p.m.
Glory Hole Recreation Area

Join us when Jupiter, our solar system’s largest planet, will be at its closest approach to the Earth with its surface fully illuminated by the sun. Park Rangers Diana and Ryan will help visitors uncover what the night can reveal. Join them and learn how to identify some of the more prominent constellations and stars in the sky. Telescopes will be on hand. Please dress warmly and bring a flashlight. We will meet at the Amphitheater inside Ironhorse Campground of the Glory Hole Recreation Area at 7 p.m. As with all programs, please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if poor weather is forecast.

Heron Point Hike
Saturday, April 8, 10 a.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area

The birds and the bees will be busy along Heron Point Trail this spring. Enjoy a leisurely 3 mile hike with Park Ranger Pat and discover what nature has to offer on a fresh spring day. We will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and caravan down to the Heron Point trailhead. Participants will be issued a parking pass for the duration of the event.

The Stars Over New Melones Lake
Saturday, April 22, 7:30 p.m.
Tuttletown Recreation Area

The night sky will be active with the Lyrids Meteor Shower underway. Join park rangers and observe the constellations, stars and other heavenly bodies above New Melones Lake. Telescopes will be on hand. Please dress warmly and bring a flashlight. We will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 7:30 p.m. and caravan to the Eagle Point Picnic Area. Please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if poor weather is forecast.

Chaparral Foray
Saturday, April 29, 9 a.m.
Parrotts Ferry Bridge

Where would you want to hike on a spring morning? California’s distinctive Chaparral ecosystem is a great place to start! Hike through a “forest of shrubs” and learn about this fire and drought adapted plant community. Along the way, catch a glimpse of history by viewing what remains of the Duchess Gold Mine. This is a strenuous 3½ mile loop hike along a section of Table Mountain. Please bring plenty of water and sturdy hiking boots. We will meet at the parking lot on the Calaveras County side of the Parrotts Ferry Bridge at 10 a.m. Please call 209-536-9094 ext. 233 if additional directions are needed.

Published on March 10, 2017