News Release Archive

New Melones Lake Interpretive Events Schedule for October to December 2005

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

For Release: September 29, 2005

Ranger-guided Walks

October

October 8, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges:Season Transitions. Big-leafed maples, alders, red buds, and even poison oak put on their fall colors on this easy ¾-mile walk to Coyote Creek. Meet at Natural Bridges Trailhead on Parrotts Ferry Road.

October 16, 1 p.m., Heron Point. Join a ranger on an easy, shaded trail that offers New Melones Lake views, eagle sightings, sculptured Manzanita trees, and Oracle oaks. The hike is
4 miles roundtrip. Meet at Heron Point Day Use Area in Tuttletown.

October 22, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges:Geological Wonder. Learn a bit of the geology of our abundant limestone formations at this unusual site where a creek flows 270 feet through a cave. Meet at Natural Bridges Trailhead on Parrotts Ferry Road (1½ miles, moderate elevation change).

October 23, 1 p.m., Angels Creek Loop. Early Italians lived in this area and built unique stone ovens to bake their breads. Hear their story and get a bit of exercise on this 3-mile rolling trail. Meet at Angels Creek boat ramp in Glory Hole Recreation Area.

October 29, 10 a.m., Peoria Basin and New Melones Dam Overlook. You will see Table Mountain to the south, the Stanislaus River Canyon to the west, and the second-tallest earth and rock filled dam in the country (3 miles roundtrip with a gradual ½-mile climb to the overlook). Meet at Peoria Basin Equestrian Staging Area on Peoria Flat Road.

November

November 5, 10 a.m., Table Mountain Trails-n-Tales. Rawhide Mine, the Sierra Railroad, "inverted" geology, and spicebush are a few of the topics discussed while climbing to the top of Table Mountain to end with a spectacular view. This is a 2-mile hike with a short, steep section of switchbacks to the top. Phone to pre-register as group size is limited (209-536-9094) ext. 222.

November 6, 1 p.m., Exploring Natural Bridges. Millions of years in the making, this cave is filled with the cadence of dripping springs and flowing water. Join a ranger on a 1½-mile walk to a fascinating geological feature. Meet at Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrotts Ferry Road.

November 12, 10 a.m., Stanislaus River Canyon. Meet at the Camp Nine Road Bridge at the bottom of the canyon for a riverside walk, then end the day with a picnic at Clarks Flat (2 miles with a steep climb down to the river's edge).

November 19, 10 a.m., Carson Creek Loop. This is a leg-stretching 4 miles of lake views, varied vegetation, and early Melones history as you zigzag your way down one of Carson Hill's ridges. Meet at the Upper Carson trailhead at Glory Hole Recreation Area.

November 20, 1 p.m., Italian Bread Making. The art of baking in a stone oven was a necessary skill perfected by early Italians. Learn how and enjoy the results at a cooking demonstration and history-sharing at the New Melones Visitor Center.

November 26, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges-Human History and Geology. L.A. Barnes was the unofficial caretaker of these limestone caves. Hear his story and enjoy autumn colors and coolness on this
1½-mile trail. Meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrotts Ferry Road.

December

December 3, 10 a.m., Angels Creek Loop. A rolling 2-mile trail takes us through oak woodlands with lake views, visiting winter birds, lichens and sprouting mushrooms. Meet at Angels Creek boat ramp at Glory Hole Recreation Area.

December 4, 1 p.m., Table Mountain Vistas. Embark on a 2-mile walk to the top of an "ancient river of mud" with distant mountain views and maybe a wildflower or two as a reward. Be prepared for a ¼-mile series of rocky switchbacks to make it to the top. Pre-register by calling 209-536-9094, ext. 222.

December 10, 10 a.m., Heron Point. Fall colors may be lingering and bald eagles will be soaring above their winter haunts, so get away from the shopping crowds for natural sights and smells on this 3-to 4-mile trail. Meet at Heron Point Day Use Area at Tuttletown Recreation Area.

December 17, 10 a.m., Natural Bridges-Winter Flora and Fauna. After a winter rain, mosses and lichens transform the forest, water brings limestone formations to life, and wildlife scurries about in search of wintertime food. There's much to see on this short 1½-mile trail. Meet at Natural Bridges trailhead on Parrotts Ferry Road.

December 18, 10 a.m., Norwegian Gulch and Jack Ass Hill. Join a ranger on a 1-mile trail with a lot of human history skirting the lake. Imagine Mark Twain as a neighbor, the echo of stamp mills across the canyon, and a train's whistle coming down to MacArdle switch. Meet at New Melones Visitor Center.

Hikes will be canceled in the event of rainy weather or extremely muddy trails. Please wear sturdy shoes, bring water and a snack, and wear sunscreen. Remember to apply mosquito repellant. The Thursday Evening Lecture Series will start in Spring 2006. For information, phone 209-536-9094, ext. 222. New Melones Visitor Center and bookstore will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. starting October 1, 2005.

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