News Release Archive

Ranger-Led Hikes and Walks at New Melones Lake

Media Contact: Jeffrey McCracken, 916-978-5100, jmcracken@mp.usbr.gov

For Release: March 20, 2007

The Bureau of Reclamation announces the following ranger-led hikes and walks at New Melones Lake during April 2007.

Saturday, April 7, 2007 at 10 a.m., “Spring Blooming Wildflowers at Natural Bridges”

Join Park Ranger Pattie Guida for a 2-hour hike to Natural Bridges.  Participants will learn about the common and unusual spring wildflowers and their uses by Me-Wuk Indians, and learn how to identify local flowers.  Participants will also learn about the geologic processes responsible for the development of the unique formations in Natural Bridges.  Participants can meet Ranger Guida at the trailhead to Natural Bridges on Parrotts Ferry Road, 3 miles north of Columbia.  Pets are not permitted on the Natural Bridges Trail.

Sunday, April 22, 2007 at noon, “The Wonders of Natural Bridges”

Join Park Ranger Alex Encoyand for a 2-hour hike to Coyote Creek and the Upper Natural Bridge.  Along the way you will learn about the plant and wildlife communities of the area, and the unique geology of Natural Bridges.   Hear about old-timer and prospector L.A. “Old Bach” Barnes who set up a mining claim in the area.  This is a moderate 1½ mile hike.  Participants can meet Ranger Encoyand at the trailhead to Natural Bridges on Parrotts Ferry Road, 3 miles north of Columbia.  Pets are not permitted on the Natural Bridges Trail.

Sunday, April 29, 2007 at 9:30 a.m., “Animal Tracks and Tree ID Hike on Angels Creek Trail”

Join Park Ranger Alex Encoyand for a 3-hour hike on the Angels Creek Trail.  Along the way you will learn about the animals of the area, how to identify their tracks and their importance in nature.  Participants will also learn about the identification of local plants and trees, and their use by wildlife and Native Americans.  This is a moderate 3-mile hike.  Participants can meet Ranger Encoyand at the Buck Brush parking lot, located near the Angels Creek Boat Ramp, at the Glory Hole Recreation Area.

Programs may be cancelled due to inclement weather.  Pre-registration is requested by calling the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 209-536-9543.  Participants should wear good hiking shoes, clothing appropriate for the weather, and bring trail snacks and water.  The Visitor Center's operating hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday and closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more information, please call Park Ranger Brian Buttazoni at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at   209-536-9094, extension 233, or stop by the Center located on Highway 49 midway between the historic Gold Rush towns of Sonora and Angels Camp.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

New Melones Website