Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and t the Salton Sea, Salton Sea education of the people of California by helping A to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological State Recreation Area diversity, protecting its most valued natural and millions of migrating birds cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. and generous fishing limits entice more than 30,000 visitors each year.

California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (760) 393-3059. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact [email protected].

CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service

www.parks.ca.gov

ParkSalton Name Sea 14/15State NovareseRecreation Bd Area 90% 100-225Address State 12/15Park Road NorthCity, Shore, CA ##### CA 92254 (760) 393-3059(###) ###-#### or (760) 393-3810

© 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2017) A long the northeastern PARK HISTORY The Cahuilla may have met Europeans in edge of the Salton Sea Native People 1540 when Melchior Diaz explored the area lies one of the world’s Thousands of years ago, for Hernán Cortés. Later, Juan Bautista de most important winter Cahuilla and other California Anza crossed the Salton Sink looking for a stops for birds traveling Indians occupied these trade route in 1774. the Pacific Flyway. Salton lands. Originally, the Salton Historians estimate that as many as Sea State Recreation Area 10,000 Cahuilla once lived here. Their first The Salton Sea Sink held a much larger is a birdwatcher’s delight. body of water — ancient encounter with Anglo-Americans came in Birds begin arriving by tens of thousands in Lake Cahuilla — well above sea level. This the 1840s when they permitted travelers October. By January the wings of more than huge freshwater lake, full of fish and teeming to pass through their lands. By the 1850s, 400 species of migrating birds form living with abundant wildlife, covered the entire the Cahuilla lands had been taken by new clouds across crystal clear skies. By May most valley. Archaeological evidence of the ancient settlers, and the indigenous people lost of them have continued to their ultimate lake’s existence comes from early house pits, the resources they needed to survive. destinations, but while they make use of the middens, and various artifacts found along Finally, the introduction of diseases Salton Sea’s rich offerings, the birds are an former sandbars, creeks, and washes. to which they had no immunity nearly unforgettable sight. As the lake shrank, the native people decimated the Cahuilla. Today, about 3,000 Typical of the Colorado Desert area, moved their villages down from the Cahuilla descendants live on reservations average low and high temperatures in spring mountains and settled in the areas once administered by elected tribal councils. and fall range from about 50 to 85 degrees. covered by water. Their fishing camps The Cahuilla have revived their July and August are the hottest months, with generally followed the contours of that traditional ceremonies, languages, 75-degree mornings and afternoons well over ancient lake, and they built fish traps of and crafts, and they are passing 100 degrees. Winter days average 60 degrees, stones in the lake’s shallower waters. these skills on to future but nights can drop to freezing. generations.

Brown pelican

White pelicans

ia W p s THE SEA’S GEOLOGICAL HISTORY hite o in wa Coachella c ta ter ro n R u Geologically, the Salton Sink is a complex of faults, i O o v THE SALTON SEA, 1905 e M

r hills, and ancient drainages — essentially a landlocked In 1905, the flooding Colorado River was extension of the Gulf of California. The Salton Sea, Salton accidentally diverted into the Salton California’s largest lake, is approximately 35 miles long, Flo od ed Sink, thus creating the current Salton Sea. Rosa Mountains So 15 miles wide, and 235 feet below sea level. Unlike Santa u th e most lakes, it has no natural outlet flowing to the ocean; rn P Ch ac oc whatever flows in, including agricultural runoff, does not ific o R la .R. t flow out. Water is lost through evaporation and through tre e stle Salton M o percolation into the ground. Borrego u Sea n S t The sea is bordered by the Santa Rosa and Coyote ou a th in er s Mountains to the west, the Orocopia Mountains to n C P o ac lo the north, and the Chocolate Mountains to the east. ifi rado c A R R . i y l R v This present body of water is only the latest of many Co ote M a o . e m

u Levee r nt lakes that have filled this basin over millions of a o i Block n s R

i years — sometimes for centuries at a time. The remains v e Imperial r of both freshwater and sea creatures can be seen high El Centro N Yuma er in the surrounding hills and mountains. ew Blocked i v R Gila R i Intake The Salton Sink basin was originally part of what is now ver CALIFORNIA nal the Gulf of California. Flowing from the Rocky Mountains Mexicali Ca ial CALIFORNIA BAJA CALIFORNIA Imper to the gulf, the Colorado River scoured out the Levee Cut formations of Arizona’s Grand Canyon. In wet times, the ARIZONA river would fill the sink; at other times, it would bypass SONORA the sink, causing the lake to shrink or even to disappear.

r Levee e Breach iv R

o

d S

a r o n o l o o r H C A a ar ll d n u y v R M i iv al e e F r s lo a o d

P l a i n

Alluvial Flood Plain Gulf of California © 2008 California State Parks New Liverpool Salt Company train, ca. 1895 Sometimes the gulf waters would flow acres in the alluvial plain. The Salton Sea is inland to meet the river, depositing salts, so large that from some vantage points, the water, and silty sediment. Gradually the earth’s curvature hides the opposite shore. deposits formed a delta (a fan-shaped plain), By the 1950s, the Salton Sea had become southeast of the Salton Sink. a popular resort area. Yacht clubs, large marinas, and a championship golf course THE “ACCIDENTAL SEA” attracted celebrities; however, by the 1970s, During the late 1800s, the California recurring floods had marred the dream of a Development Company (CDC) envisioned an desert Eden. agricultural empire in the Colorado Desert. But they needed water to irrigate the fields PLANTS AND WILDLIFE and orchards they planned. By 1901 the Over centuries the fragile ecosystem of the Wintering birds Colorado River had been tapped for this Salton Sea has provided sanctuary to an purpose; in two years it was irrigating more extremely diverse collection of wildlife and sandhill cranes, and the state’s largest than 100,000 acres in what was even then the critical habitats that nurture them. The population of burrowing owls. Resident being called “the Imperial Valley.” sea holds millions of fish that feed masses birds include Gambel’s quail, greater However, the CDC had not provided an of wintering birds, including herons, egrets, roadrunners, and endangered Yuma effective method for dealing with irrigation brown and white pelicans, and kingfishers. clapper rails. runoff, silt buildup, or high water levels. Birds of prey species arrive in the The vegetation includes drought-tolerant In 1905, after an unusually wet winter, the fall — among them peregrine falcons, osprey, desert scrub, creosote bush, several Colorado River broke through a poorly and ferruginous hawks. varieties of desert saltbush, fan palms, constructed canal cut; for about 16 months, Adjacent fields and tamarisk (a non-native tree that chokes the river’s entire volume poured unchecked and wetlands out native plants and soaks up the limited into the nearest low spot — the Salton Sink. support huge flocks fresh water). Cottonwoods and willows grow Water inundated entire communities, the of snow geese, alongside freshwater streams, springs, and main line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, the many kinds salt marshes. Torres Martinez Reservation, and the New of ducks, Liverpool Salt Company that mined the pure salt deposits from beneath the lake. The Southern Pacific had re-routed forty miles of track, but another flood season could jeopardize the new route. In 1907, the railroad built a trestle and gathered tons of fill matter and boulders that they dumped into the streambed. When the last loads were dumped, cars and all, the water subsided. Great blue heron By then the lake had flooded nearly 350,000 THE PRESENT SALTON SEA to other uses, the sea. Cormorants and cattle egrets maintain The Salton Sea currently sea is a critical refuge year-round nesting colonies. From November supports significant for many declining through February, park staff offer guided kayak segments of many migratory species — including tours and other programs, where visitors may bird populations that eat mountain and snowy see a variety of water-dependent bird life. fish. Unfortunately, the sea’s plovers and long- Fishing — Although rising salinity limits the rising salinity threatens its billed curlews. diversity of fish that thrive here, fishing is still vital importance to more Federal, state, tribal, excellent. Tilapia (similar to crappie) abound than 400 bird species. With and local entities, as well and have no catch limits. As a solution to less than three inches of as concerned interest the sea’s salinity is developed, there may rainfall per year and limited groups and individuals, be hope for the return of the locally famous fresh water inflow, the sea is are working together to corvina and sargo. Both shore and boat tilapia now about 50 percent saltier try to save the Salton fishing are equally successful. A fishing jetty is than the ocean itself. Sea. In 2003 the California available at Varner Harbor. The Salton Sea lacks any legislature passed the Boating — The Salton Sea is called the fastest outlet, with inflow from Salton Sea Restoration lake in the U.S. because its high salt content only a few sources — the Fishing is popular at the Salton Sea. Act, directing the State to allows boats to be more buoyant, while its Whitewater River to “undertake the restoration below-sea-level elevation gives engines the north, the Alamo of the Salton Sea greater operating efficiency. Obey all posted and New Rivers to ecosystem and the permanent protection of speed limits. the south, runoff the wildlife dependent on that ecosystem.” Camping — Five campgrounds offer more from surrounding Recent budget allocations and grant monies than 200 campsites, including some with full from various sources have followed to help hookups. To reserve a campsite, call (800) 444- agricultural fields, and some Tilapia municipal effluent and storm save this extraordinary resource. 7275 or visit the site at www.parks.ca.gov. water. Growing concentrations of salt have • Headquarters — This area has two RECREATION caused all but the hardy tilapia and desert campgrounds. Headquarters, near the pupfish to stop reproducing. As salinity At least 30,000 annual park visitors enjoy visitor center and camp store, has more increases, dissolved oxygen in the water such activities as camping, picnicking, than a dozen sites with hookups. New decreases, making the sea unsustainable for fishing, boating, water sports, kayaking, bird Camp has access to hiking trails, a fishing most species of fish. Fewer fish to provide watching, and hiking the trails. The camp jetty, the main boat ramp, sanitation food for migrating birds could eventually store near the headquarters visitor center stations, and a boat washing area. Flush mean fewer birds overall. rents kayaks and sells supplies. toilets, showers, and some hookups, plus a Bird Watching — Marsh birds, shore birds, group camp without hookups, are on site. CAN THE SEA BE SAVED? and waterfowl of nearly every description • Salt Creek Beach — Salt Creek flows to the The Salton Sea presently supports a stop over to replenish themselves. Annually, north of this prime birding spot, a primitive significant number of threatened or as many as 1.5 million eared grebes and kayak campground with chemical toilets. endangered bird populations. With nearly nearly half of California’s population of 95 percent of California’s wetlands converted white-faced ibis have been counted at the • Corvina Beach — a primitive kayak Fishing — No designated accessible fishing PLEASE REMEMBER campground with chemical toilets and facilities exist in the park, but many visitors In desert country, carry extra water and other water. Beach access has a sharp underwater fish from the Varner Harbor picnic area. The essential supplies, and stay on authorized drop-off. visitor center and camp store are accessible. roads. In case of trouble, remain near • Mecca Beach — a large, developed Accessibility is continually improving. For vehicles and in shade until help arrives. campground for swimmers, boaters, and details, visit the website at http://access. • Except for service animals, no pets are anglers, with easy beach access, flush parks.ca.gov. allowed on beaches. Animals must be kept toilets, showers, and full hookups at on a six-foot leash, and in a vehicle or tent NEARBY STATE PARKS some sites. at night. Please clean up after pets. Hiking — Nature trails loop around each • Anza-Borrego Desert State Park • All park features are protected by law and campground. The best hiking can be found 200 Palm Canyon Drive may not be disturbed or collected. Use along the shoreline. Borrego Springs 92004 trash receptacles. (760) 767-5311 • Do not gather firewood — dead wood ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation must be allowed to decompose naturally. Camping — New Camp has accessible Area, 5172 Hwy. 78 Borrego Springs 92004 Firewood is sold at most campgrounds. parking, campsites, restrooms, and showers. (760) 767-5391 • Each angler over the age of 16 must Picnic Area — Varner Harbor has one • Mount San Jacinto State Park possess a valid California fishing license. accessibly designed picnic site. No water is 25905 Highway 243 available. Accessible parking and a portable Idyllwild 92549 (951) 659-2607 toilet are nearby.

This park receives support in part through a nonprofit organization. For more information, contact Sea and Desert Interpretive Association 100-225 State Park Road, North Shore, CA 92254 (760) 393-3810 Maintenance Shop Parkside Dr 111 to Park HQ HEADQUARTERS Indio Salton Sea Sector Office Southern State Recreation Area & NEW CAMP 10 Park CAMPGROUND Entrance Pacific DETAIL

Day Use Sneaker S 10 Beach ta Railroad to te P Blythe a to rk R Indio d

Box Canyon Road All

111 American Salton Headquarters Campground Canal O Sea R O P Hookups 1-15 C O 111 P I MECCA A Fish

M Cleaning 66th Ave Boat Wash Coachella Branch O W U Park Headquarters and Area h N i t e T Visitor Center w

a A

t e I Varner Harbor r N 5 mph (no wake) Playground R S Lincoln St iv 111 er P 195 NORTH Desert Whitewater SHORE P Cahuilla Fishing Area Cove North Shore Parking New Wetlands Parkside Dr 0 500 Feet Camp see detail New Camp Dos Palmas 0 200 Meters to Mecca Beach Campground map Preserve Salt 1 mile above right

see detail Creek Mecca Beach map at right to New Camp, Southern Pacific0 Railroad200 Feet Headquarters Pay 1.5 mile Trail Here 0 50 Meters SALTON P North Corvina Beach Fish 86 Cleaning P SEA Full Hookup Sites Salt Creek Beach Day Use Bat Cave Buttes 111 STATE Salton Road Sea Reserve Sites DESERT Upper SHORES Hot Mineral Spa MECCA BEACH Loop Lower RECREATION CAMPGROUND Loop Salton Sea Beach DETAIL to Corvina Beach Brawley 1.3 miles S Ave 111 A N SALTON SEA C T All H A BEACH AREA O A M BOMBAY m O C R e U O O BEACH ri ca N L S n T A A Southern Pacific Railroad Canal A T I E M N O Coachella S Johnson’s Landing U SALTON r. D N a CITY n T ri Branch A a M I . N N S to Anza Borrego IMPERIAL Desert SP Salton WILDLIFE S22 Legend AREA Sea WISTER 111 Freeway UNIT

Highway NILAND Paved Road Hiking Trail 86 SALTON SEA Railroad MILITARY Accessible Feature RESERVATION Sinclair Road

Boat Launch Garst Rd

Boating Obsidian Butte SONNY BONO Alamo SALTON SEA Campfire Center REGION River Campground 43210 5 Miles NWR 0 2 4 6 8 Kilometers Camp Host to Ocotillo Wells SVRA CALIPATRIA Fishing 78 Information Benson New Landing IMPERIAL Marina River SAN BERNARDINO Joshua Tree WILDLIFE San Bernardino 0 10 20 Mi AREA Nature Trail NF SONNY BONO 0 2010 30 Km Riverside Mt San Jacinto SALTON SEA FINNEY-RAMER Park Headquarters SP Joshua REGION UNIT Tree Lake NWR P Palm NP Parking Perris 111 Bannister Road 215 SRA Springs 10 Picnic Area San Bernardino Indio Rd NF 195 Vendel WESTMORLAND Primitive Campground Murrieta 86 111 Salton Sea SRA Restrooms Borrego Springs Salton 111 Salton RV Camping 76 S22 City 86 Sea Cleveland NF 78 RV Sanitation Station 5 78 Ocotillo Wells 15 Anza- Del SVRA Showers Cuyamaca Borrego 86 GUNNERY BRAWLEY Mar Rancho SP Desert SP El Centro 78 Store 86 SAN DIEGO Swimming 8 CA MEX RANGE

Wetlands © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2017) to 8 , El Centro Wind Warning Light