002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 2 3/16/04 3:15 PM
Welcome TM
Dear Friends, Arnold Schwarzenegger The natural beauty and cultural diversity of Governor Mike Chrisman California have inspired generations of Californians Secretary for Resources to create what is now the finest state park system in Ruth Coleman the nation. Director California State Parks Our state parks also are vital to the economy of California. Visitors to California state parks spend about $2.6 billion annually during their trips. This translates to a total economic output of more than $6 billion a year, responsible directly or indirectly for CALIFORNIA more than 100,000 jobs. STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 After a century of park planning, preservation, acquisition and Sacramento, CA development, the California State Park System now encompasses more 94296-0001 (800) 777-0369 than 1.4 million acres of state parks, beaches, historic sites, underwater (916) 653-6995 parks, and recreational areas that include more than 13,000 camp sites, (888) 877-5378 TTY To receive this in an 3,000 miles of trails, 625 miles of rivers and lake fronts, and 280 miles of alternative format coastline. Special areas have been set aside for off-highway vehicle please contact us at the number above. recreation, underwater diving and exploration, hang-gliding, and other Nicole Placencia specialized activities. Museums, visitor centers, and interpretive programs Marketing Manager of many kinds have been developed to help people understand and Thanks to the many California State Parks appreciate their shared heritage as Californians. employees who contributed I invite you to visit our State Parks and enjoy what you to this magazine. have helped to create and preserve.
Arnold Schwarzenegger HEARST CUSTOM Governor PUBLISHING Michael A. Hurley Publisher Sean Murphy Editorial Director Kim Huey Steiner Welcome Friends, Associate Publisher California State Parks is a major contributor to the Jayne K. McGarry quality of life enjoyed in our great state. The benefits of Account Director Karen Wagner California State Parks to California, to its communities, and Production Manager to each of its residents cannot be overestimated. Economically, vacation spending by state park visitors helps local economies throughout California, especially in its rural communities. Environmentally, California State Parks protect many EDITORIAL + CREATIVE natural resources that make California such a special place. Socially, our Hartle Media Publishing San Francisco, CA parks provide unmatched recreational opportunities and facilities that (415) 362-7797 strengthen families, help educate our children, and foster community pride by Tom Hartle preserving and showcasing significant elements of our state’s heritage. And Publisher for us as individuals, our parks preserve open space and trails critical to our Julie Suppelsa Associate Publisher peace of mind and personal health. Heather Luplow Hartle This magazine gives you a snapshot of an adventure that began in Creative Director 1864 and continues today. Brendan McKenna Art Director Have Fun! All maps by maps.com © 2004 California State Parks
Ruth Coleman California State Parks JAMES BLANK / PHOTOPHILE JAMES
2 California State Parks www.CAescapes.com
002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 5 3/16/04 5:28 PM
2 << California State Parks Color Coded 1 Regions Map
3
5 4
7 6
8 12 11 9 Regions 10 18 CALIFORNIA STATE MAP Consult this overview of the Golden State in conjunction with the separate maps that accompany each of the regions below. 20 REGION 1 / NORTH COAST 30 REGION 2 / SHASTA CASCADE 32 REGION 3 / GOLD COUNTRY 36 REGION 4 / HIGH SIERRA ON THE COVER: Sunlight streams into The Slot 38 REGION 5 / SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA at Anza-Borrego Desert SP Photography by Steve Casimiro 46 REGION 6 / CENTRAL COAST 50 REGION 7 / CENTRAL VALLEY BUY ONLINE 54 REGION 8 / LOS ANGELES COUNTY 58 REGION 9 / ORANGE COUNTY Visit our e-store, where you can purchase annual 60 REGION 10 / SAN DIEGO COUNTY passes, books, and other cool state parks 64 REGION 11 / INLAND EMPIRE merchandise. 66 REGION 12 / DESERTS www.Store.Parks.CA.gov 68 INDEX MARK J. DOLYAK TOP: RICHARD CUMMINS; MARK J. DOLYAK
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 5 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 6 3/3/04 5:50 PM PARKS YOUR YOUR
The 24-foot stump of the “Discovery Tree,” found in 1852 by Augustus Dowd, at Calaveras Big Trees SP Your Parks
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS— variety. If state parks make you think of giant THEY’RE SYNONYMOUS redwood forests, beaches, cascading waterfalls, WITH “ESCAPE” and winding mountain trails, well, we can’t argue with that; but California State Parks offers so It’s an unending adventure. It’s a priceless much more. resource. It’s so rich with history, natural When a surfer gets barreled on a six-foot beauty, and opportunities for fun that it’s wave at San Onofre, he or she is at a state park. simply been nicknamed the Golden State. “It,” When a group of off-road vehicle riders explores of course, is California—the place where Hungry Valley, in the hills north of Los Angeles, mountains, sand, and sea coexist in near- they’re at a state park. When children learn mythical balance. In the popular imagination, about their family heritage at La Purísima California is a dream destination, a land that’s Mission (founded in 1787) in Lompoc, they’re at bursting with culture—the ultimate escape. a state park. Even the “Best U.S. Monument” in And the best way to make that escape is to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2000 Readers’ Choice visit your state parks. Visit—meaning week- Awards is a state park: Hearst Castle® at end jaunts as a resident user. Visit—meaning San Simeon, a world-renowned showcase of vacations as a tourist. Visit—meaning volun- European art and California opulence. teering your services, however you can. And California’s state parks are virtually Visit California’s state parks, and see for everywhere. Last year, more than 85 million yourself all that makes us so proud. people visited state parks, historic sites, and beaches to camp, hike, bike, swim, surf, sightsee, SURF, TURF, AND and just about anything else you have in mind. EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN This guide will help you do any or all of those The California state parks are your parks—all things. We want to get you on the road, wave, 277 of them! That’s a lot of parks, and a lot of mountain bike trail, or wheelchair-accessible path; MARK J. DOLYAK MARK J. DOLYAK
6 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 7 3/16/04 3:24 PM
Surfing at Emma Wood SB
whatever it takes for you to make the most of our • Capsule descriptions of the parks, including parks and beaches. Whatever is right for you. telephone numbers and road directions for those parks that are a little out of the way. WHERE TO GO? AND HOW? ABOUT THIS GUIDE And remember… What’s your passion? Whale-watching? The best way to get the big picture, along with Fishing? Bird-watching? Perhaps you’re a train the latest information on each park and the buff and you want to take in some railroad many activities offered, is to visit the California history. Maybe you’re a cyclist, an equestrian State Parks website at www.Parks.CA.gov. expert, or an aspiring nature photographer. No It’s what really puts the state park system at your matter—your interests are our pleasure. fingertips, any day, any time. It’s also our pleasure to tell you how . How At www.Parks.CA.gov you can scout camp- can you reserve a campsite? How can your sites and trails, and find out which times of year family hold an outdoor reunion on the shores of are best for watching migratory birds. You can Point Sur? How can you tour the Weaverville inquire about wheelchair accessibility and OHV Joss House, the oldest in-use, intact historic regulations, availability of boat ramps, horse Chinese temple in California? How do you find camps, and guides who’ll give you tours of remnants of the classic television show M*A*S*H historical sites. Finally, if you like what you see, in Malibu Creek State Park? We’ll tell you. you can make a reservation. It’s that easy.
This guide answers all of your questions. In CALIFORNIA, ALL WAYS the pages that follow you’ll find: The State Park System is essentially a giant out- • Accessibility information, reservations, door health club, and an activity and cultural cen- and more. ter for your family and friends, a virtually endless • A large overview map of California (page 18). escape that’s open 24/7, 365 days a year. Just • Maps of the 12 California travel regions look at the options: Sacramento Delta boating, showing the locations of the parks. Sierra Sno-Parks, Off-Highway Vehicle areas, • Regional charts listing facilities (including hiking and biking and horseback riding, camping, visitors’ centers, food/dining, lodging, RV scuba diving, and educational tours of historic hookups, and much more) and activities sites (including the State Capitol Museum and the (biking, boating, camping, windsurfing, California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento). and more). The cultural history of your parks is as multifaceted MARK J. DOLYAK MARK J. DOLYAK
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 7 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 8 3/16/04 3:24 PM
Ranger Simon parks in their off-seasons. Thanks to California’s
PARKS Cavazos at mild weather, you don’t need a summer day to Point Mugu SP hike through a giant redwood grove or share a campfire with family and friends. Historic sites
YOUR YOUR that make great winter escapes include Hearst Castle®, Bidwell Mansion, Old Town San Diego, or Old Sacramento (with its California State Railroad Museum). Summer tip: Campsites are often available and less crowded midweek, even in prime Sierra park locations.
RANGER RECRUITMENT Looking for a career with a little fresh air? A job that offers culture, escape, and adventure? California State Parks is looking for rangers and lifeguards who seek career choices beyond working in the woods, including lakes, beaches, deserts, and urban parks.
Sightseeing at Año Nuevo SR
as the many natural destinations available. By taking full advantage of the park system’s diversity, you can live a healthful and active lifestyle, spend more quality time with your loved ones, and benefit from educational and cultural opportunities. For a deeper understanding of the stories and science behind the parks, take part in one of our park programs. These ranger- led walks, campfires, and living history re-enactments are fun-filled and informative.
Tip: The Wrong Time is the Right Time Do yourself a favor. Explore the possibilities of
ACCESSIBILITY: EVERYONE IS A V.I.P. • California State Parks improvements and remove facilities statewide. welcomes all visitors, regardless barriers to access. Should • General recommendations of their abilities. When planning you encounter obstacles, and comments may be made your visit, please call the park to please ask for assistance to the Department’s obtain additional information or onsite. Accessibility Section, (916) request suitable arrangements. • We are proceeding systemati- 445-8949, or via e-mail at • You can find accessible cally with our vision of universal- [email protected]. features throughout the parks at access facility design and As you can see, California State http://access.Parks.CA.gov programs that will benefit all Parks are for everyone. For a • Disabled Discount Passes are visitors. As projects are funded large format PDF version of this also available (see Fees, pg. 15). over the coming years, access publication, please visit • Department staff are working is provided by the retrofitting www.Parks.CA.gov listed to implement accessibility and construction of new under the publications section. TOP: MARK J. DOLYAK; FRANK S. BALTHIS FRANK S. BALTHIS
8 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page93/16/043:25PM
TOP: MARK J. DOLYAK; FRANK S. BALTHIS
FRANK S. BALTHIS www.Parks.CA.gov www.Parks.CA.gov distinguished group, call(916)654-5397orvisit To jointhis ,orcall(916)653-9069. programs. unique in-park such asnew maps, visitorcenters, and freepark services makes possible important Their support millions ofdollarsannually toaidstateparks. These community-based organizationsraise JOIN ACOOPERATING ASSOCIATION to For information go ing aboutnatureandhistory. community whilemakingnew andlearn- friends year, 12,000volunteers give back tothe Each evenheritage, build andmaintaintrails. campground host,teachchildrenabouttheir afield,youWhether locallyorfarther canbea BECOME APARK VOLUNTEER need your help. Butwithmorevisitorsthanever, ourparks alive. inspiration andeducation,keep ourhistory ourlandandwaters,preserve provide They protect allthatiswildandbeautiful. California stateparks minutes togetinvolved. Take afew needsyour now. America helpright systemin Thebeststatepark come tomind. sunsets—even sites—probably coolhistoric images ofbeauty, serenity, trees, beachesand When you thinkofaCalifornia statepark, YOUR HELPISNEEDED o rhelp Your C www.Parks.CA.gov www.calparks.org Call usat(800)963-7275or gotoourwebsite: protecting California’s most preciousresource. dedicated toenhancing, advocating,and Parks, jointheonlystatewideorganization always bethere?HelppreserveyourState the next.Don’tyouwanttomakesurethey’ll YOURS TOKEEP handed downfromonegenerationto enjoy withthoseyoulove,alegacy alifornia’s StateParksareplacesto . . isneeded (916) 653-5097. Partner, contactourCommunication Divisionat To becomeaPark andeducation. conservation, environmental preservation, in recreation,historic imageasaleader complement theStateParks’ State Parks who islookingfor partners California providing neededgoodsandservices. by stateparks Private companiescansupport A PARK PARTNER COMPANYMAKE YOUR elephant sealsatAñoNuevo SR Volunteers monitoringresident California StateParks 9 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 10 3/3/04 5:55 PM CALIFORNIA’S LEGACY PRESERVING PRESERVING
LegacyPreserving California’s
HOW A NIGHT IN THE WOODS HISTORY AND LEGACY AT EVERY TURN SPAWNED A STATE FULL OF PARKS A trip through the state park system is a trip The very idea of a state park system was born through time, California-style, from the Pomo in the redwoods on a spring evening 101 years Indians to the Spanish Missions to the ’49ers of the ago. That night, a group of visionaries vowed Gold Rush. In your parks, there are Chumash cave to preserve their favorite forest; they passed a paintings and craftsman-style architecture, as seen hat and collected a whopping $32. The result at Asilomar Conference Grounds. In your parks was the establishment of Big Basin Redwoods you can learn a Chaw’se Native American dance, State Park, which covers 18,000 acres in grind corn for tortillas with mano and metate, or northern California. The park’s campfire center pan for gold like a 19th-century prospector. And commemorates those men and women. don’t forget the Spanish Mission at La Purísima SHP; Moro Rock at Point Sur SHP, sighted by DIVERSITY AND Juan Cabrillo in the 16th-century; and Colonel
COMMUNITY IN NUMBERS Allensworth SHP, the only town in California found- RICHARD CUMMINGS As California’s population grew, so did the state ed, financed, and governed by African-Americans. park system—to the tune of 270-plus. State Perhaps the many ethnic strands woven through parks bring the benefits of nature, culture, and the seemingly unending tapestry of California healthy recreation within reach of every history are best seen on Angel Island, the first stop World’s largest elephant seal rookery is at Año Nuevo SR Californian. for so many emigres´ to the Golden State. FRANK S. BALTHIS
10 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 11 3/3/04 5:55 PM
LEFT: Waterfalls at Big Basin Redwoods SP >> DID YOU KNOW? Mountain biking was invented in Mill Valley and first FOR THE RECORD tested on Mount Tamalpais in Marin County Of course, it wouldn’t be California without a few in the early 1970s. superlatives, like the most popular railroad museum in North America (California State litter they collect, helping them to make their Railroad Museum), the best view of California own contribution to the park. Call for a schedule (Mount Diablo SP), and the best preserved of programs at the park of your choice. Western ghost town (Bodie SHP, California’s official State Gold Rush Ghost Town). ENJOYING CALIFORNIA’S NATURAL RESOURCES EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS California is teeming with rare species, such as Our scientific, ecological, and historical assets, our Giant Sequoia trees and huge elephant which make possible day trips, environmental- seals. It’s where majestic bald eagles soar living overnights, in-school programs, and video above mountains that are peppered with conferencing, served more than 20,000 school bighorn sheep. All of these species call groups last year. Some 560 schools also booked California State Parks home, who thrive in tours at California’s State Capitol Museum. habitats as various as sparkling tide pools, snowy Using video technology, the museum connects peaks, foggy redwood groves, and sun-blasted to classrooms nationwide for presentations on desert basins. Nature lovers, scientists, and Capitol architecture, the legislative process, and travelers come from all around the world to see Sacramento’s role in the Gold Rush. and experience California’s rich natural heritage. Our state parks are priceless repositories of VIRTUAL DIVING, A NEW WAY TO LEARN nature, sanctuaries for the human spirit, places One of our favorite video programs allows where anyone can observe, explore, and underwater divers at Crystal Cove SP to broad- marvel at the beauty of the natural world. cast in “real time” to classrooms. Children inter- act with the divers, watch the marine life of one of the state’s most pristine environments, and learn about the effects of commercialization and residential growth. This technology also lessens the impact of visitors on sensitive environments and allows children with disabilities to partici- pate. Visit www.Parks.CA.gov for more about these and other programs. Add it all up, and the state parks are price- less resources for generations to come. Outings to the state parks don’t just teach our children, they create lasting memories.
FOR THE KIDS Your state parks offer many learning opportunities for children and families. In the Junior Ranger Program, kids learn how issues in parks relate to larger global concerns. The Junior Lifeguard Program teaches young visitors ages 8 to 15 about water safety and physical conditioning. Our Litter-Getter Program
RICHARD CUMMINGS rewards children with a prize for every bag of
>> DID YOU KNOW? California State Parks is one of the largest state agency providers of education. Wild West remnants haunt Bodie SHP FRANK S. BALTHIS
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 11 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 12 3/3/04 6:56 PM
Monarch butterflies blend in at Pismo SB are allowed to slowly burn away duff, smaller brush, and some trees. Non-native species The impact of non-native plant and animal species on native ecosystems is of national concern. Park staff work to control exotic species that threaten endangered native species. Among the greatest problems is the well-intentioned feeding of feral animals—such
CALIFORNIA’S LEGACY as stray domestic cats—which has resulted in a greater rabies hazard and a threat to endangered native species. Endangered species The past three decades in California have seen 137 native animal species and more than 400 native plant species classified as endangered
PRESERVING PRESERVING or threatened. Success stories By 1994 the peregrine falcon and the California gray whale had come back from the brink of extinction. Animal rescue programs have also saved species such as the California bighorn sheep at Anza-Borrego Desert SP and the tule elk at Tule Elk SR from disappearing.
PRESERVING YOUR PARKS To protect this vast and varied heritage requires active management to repair damaged land- scapes and restore natural cycles. Unfortunately, human impact on California’s natural resources has been significant over the centuries, and our state parks also pay a price for their popularity. If the resources we enjoy and take for granted are to survive for future generations, we must all accept responsibility for their preservation.
HOW CALIFORNIA HELPS TO PRESERVE YOUR STATE PARKS Fire: Because total fire suppression has resulted in dangerous accumulations of dry tinder that feed destructive wildfires, prescribed burn fires
>> DID YOU KNOW? California state parks collectively contain one of the largest, most diverse holdings of any such agency in the U.S. >> Although California’s population has doubled over the past few decades, public use of state parks A hungry brown pelican at has increased eightfold. Torrey Pines SB, San Diego TOP: MARK J. DOLYAK; RICHARD CUMMINGS McKENNA BRENDAN
12 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 13 3/3/04 6:00 PM
PRESERVING OUR PAST PRESERVATION RULES Archaeologists, historians, and restoration spe- cialists are involved in the study of California’s • Put litter in its place. diverse cultures, helping to identify and protect • Stay on designated trails (no shortcuts). Native American burial grounds, restore • Avoid disturbing tidepool creatures. Spanish missions, and even maintain the state • Do not feed the animals. of “arrested decay” of the Gold Rush ghost town • Do not dispose of wastewater in lakes of Bodie. California State Parks’ ongoing preser- and streams. vation work makes it possible to educate thou- • Do not disturb historic and sands of schoolchildren each year about the archaeological artifacts. importance of California’s past.
A scenic overlook at Mount Tamalpais SP
>> DID YOU KNOW? Every spring at Redwood National and State Parks, the world’s entire population of Aleutian Canada geese gather to fatten up for their flight north to the Aleutian Islands. TOP: MARK J. DOLYAK; RICHARD CUMMINGS McKENNA BRENDAN
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 13 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 14 3/3/04 6:01 PM
CAMPING California camping is so popular that busy parks may be full if you arrive without reservations, particularly during the summer season (generally Fun from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend). Many coastal parks remain busy year
PARK ACTIVITIES PARK round, especially on weekends. Fortunately, Stuff campsites for individuals, families, or groups can be reserved up to seven months in advance at
YOUR YOUR www.Parks.CA.govor via ReserveAmerica at RECREATION: IT’S IN OUR BLOOD (800) 444-PARK (7275). Other campgrounds Thanks to our State Park System, recreation has may be available first come, first served. For become a veritable birthright of Californians. information call (800) 777-0369 or (916) 653- With more than 280 miles of coastline, 800 miles 6995. Many campsites are open without reserva- of river and lake shoreline, thousands of camp- tions in non-peak seasons. sites and picnic areas, and hundreds of sites of historical, cultural, and ecological interest, your HORSE CAMPING state parks have something for everybody. Several parks, some with horse rental facilities, Traditional recreation includes plant and provide equestrian camping. Most sites have wildlife viewing, sunning, picnicking, and walking. picnic tables, barbecues or fireplaces, and pit There’s also biking, fishing, hiking, horseback toilets. Call (916) 653-6995 for information. riding, OHV driving, scuba diving, swimming, and beach volleyball. Extreme athletes can Sailing at Lake indulge in mountain biking, rock-climbing, motor- Perris SRA cycling, surfing, hang-gliding, and windsurfing.
>> DID YOU KNOW? California state parks protect 1/4 of California’s coastline.
BEACHES California’s state park beaches are legendary, from the ruggedly beautiful North Coast to Point Lobos (called the greatest meeting of ocean and land in all the world) to the sand playgrounds of coastal southern California, where “beach cul- ture” was virtually invented. Indeed, when you lis- ten to the Beach Boys, watch old Gidget movies, or spike a beach volleyball, you’re living a lifestyle perfected at state parks such as Malibu Lagoon and Huntington State Beaches.
Off-Highway Vehicles—Come Out And Play
More than three decades ago The Off-Highway Motor buggy riders, snowmobilers, California State Parks began an Vehicle Recreation Division mountain bikers, equestrians, effort to responsibly manage a operates six main recreation cross-country skiers, back- recreational sport that continues areas and provides for a packers, hikers, campers, and to grow. Today, the state offers statewide system of managed even rock climbers. Visit the largest off-highway vehicle recreational opportunities www.ohv.parks.ca.gov or recreation program in the U.S., through funding to other public contact OHVMR, POB 942896, with the most environmentally agencies. Among its visitors Sacramento, CA 94296; (916) friendly rules of any state park are dirt bikers, all-terrain 324-4442 for more information system in the country. vehicle drivers, 4x4 and dune regarding OHV access. RICHARD CUMMINGS
14 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 002-015_FINALS(Rev)2 Page 15 3/3/04 6:02 PM
SIERRA SNO-PARKS PARK REGULATIONS Easy access to some of the Sierra’s finest cross- country ski trails, snowmobile routes, and snow play • Collecting of flowers, rocks, plants, areas can be found at various snow-cleared parking animals, and artifacts is prohibited. lots. California State Parks administers this program Firewood should not be gathered—it from November 1 through May 30; from September • can be purchased at most parks. to March, rangers offer hikes and ski tours. • Fireworks are prohibited. CONSERVE ENERGY: • Fishing licenses are required by state law. GO CAMPING AT A STATE PARK • Hunting or the possession of loaded or In addition to switching off the lights when you unloaded firearms is prohibited in most leave the room, you can help save energy by state parks. enjoying yourself at • Pets must be kept on a leash or in a vehicle. the California state • Off-road vehicle driving is only allowed in park of your choice. California’s off-highway motor vehicle parks. You’ll feel better, and • Bicyclists under 18 years old are required the light switches in by California state law to wear helmets. your house will, too. Fees + Passes • Day-Use: There is a nominal self-addressed stamped enve- over and/or anyone receiving Day-Use parking fee; if you’re on lope to Sierra District, POB aid on a limited income. Apply in the move during the same day, 266, Tahoma, CA 96142, or person at most state parks. you can visit other California visit www.ohv.Parks.CA.gov. state parks (of a like or lesser Recorded information: • Limited Use Golden Bear: Day-Use fee) for free. (916) 324-1222. Free parking for those 62 and over, excluding peak season • Annual Day-Use Pass & • Boating: Launch fees vary. (Memorial Day through Labor Annual Boat Launch Pass: Overnight mooring fees apply. Day). Apply in person at most Passes are good for one year state parks or call from date of purchase. For more • Historic Sites and Museums: (800) 777-0369, ext.5. information call (800) 777-0369, Most are free or have a ext.5, or purchase at nominal charge. Tour fees • Other Discount Passes: www.store.Parks.CA.gov vary (children’s fees usually For disabled campers, the cost less). Avoid long waits Disabled Discount Pass offers • Camping Fees: Call for fees. at Hearst Castle® and Año 50 percent off regular camping Please plan ahead; many parks Nuevo by calling (800) 777-0369. fees and day use; call for fee. The accept reservations up to seven Disabled Veteran/Prisoner of months prior. Visit • Senior Discounts: Campers War Pass gives complimentary www.Parks.CA.gov or call aged 62 or older receive a nightly camping and day use at all (800) 444-PARK (7275). discount, but only if requested California state parks; call for Payment may be made by at the time the camping reserva- fee. For all rules, qualifications, American Express®, VISA®, tion is made. The reservation and a pass application, please Discover ®, or MasterCard ® by must be in the name of the call (916) 653-4000 or write to: phone. You can also pay by eligible person and that person California State Parks Pass personal check, traveler’s must occupy the campsite. Proof Program, POB 942896, check, or money order by mail. of eligibility required; parking Sacramento, CA 94296. discounts available. • Sno-Park: Daily fees apply; seasonal pass available. Parking Golden Bear Pass: Allows Please note: Fees, services, and • hours of operation may have permits do not guarantee a parking at State Parks-operated changed. Visit our website for parking space. Send legal-sized facilities for those aged 62 or the most current information. RICHARD CUMMINGS
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 15 8 97
139 >> Los Angeles County Mount Shasta (14,162 ft) 101 >>Regional Information his area is rich in natural and cultural 89 299 significance, from acres of high-desert wild- 5 he state of California can be divided into 12 distinct regions that T W flowers to museums devoted to local Native Tencompass a rich diversity of culture, terrain, and wildlife. From the 299 299 395 American cultures; from surfing beaches made Eureka Gold Country to the San Francisco Bay Area, from the Central Coast to 44 Redding San Diego County, these regions are home to 277 state parks renowned for famous in Hollywood movies to an adobe built by W the last Mexican governor of California. Wild 36 their natural beauty, historic significance, and recreational opportunities. places and canyonlands abound within minutes
LOS ANGELES COUNTY of the homes of millions, and the climate invites 70 outdoor adventure. REGIONAL INFORMATION THE STATE ICONS Mendocino • STATE ANIMAL Lake ANTELOPE VALLEY ANTELOPE VALLEY INDIAN MUSEUM SHP Ursus arctos horribilis, as the 20 Tahoe CALIFORNIA POPPY RESERVE Carved into the bedrock of Piute Butte, this 80 California Grizzly Bear was REGION 8 From mid-March to mid-May, fresh rains museum features California, Great Basin, and Clearlake called, definitely lived up to transform this 1,780-acre reserve from a Southwest American Indian cultures. Open 50 his name. But he is seen parched, high-desert landscape to fields of gold- 101 weekends from mid-September through mid- Sacramento 88 today only on the state flag en poppies and other wildflowers. Eight miles of June. Accessible restrooms, limited access to W or state seal. trails lead from the visitor center through the the visitor center. On East Ave. M, between 5 S IE 395 • STATE FLOWER fields. Accessible 200-foot pathway, exhibits, 150th and 170th Streets East, about 20 miles Yosemite R The golden poppy restrooms, and picnicking. Located on east of Lancaster. (661) 942-0662. R FRANK S. BALTHIS National A Lancaster Rd. (Ave. I), 15 miles west of Hwy. 14 Stockton (Eschscholzia californica) Park 6 near Lancaster. (661) 724-1180 or 942-0662. ARTHUR B. RIPLEY W 580 California’s state marine blooms somewhere in DESERT WOODLAND SP 99 mammal, the gray whale California every month This 560-acre woodland preserves some fine Mammoth Bishop of the year. San Francisco S W Lakes A quiet strand at examples of California juniper and Joshua trees. A 101 N • STATE MARINE MAMMAL El Matador SB On the north side of the park near the entrance, N E V You can spy the mighty springtime visitors may take a self-guided walk J D O Fresno A E California gray whale among acres of wildflowers. Located 5 miles A D A Q Mount Whitney T (Eschrichtius robustus) A H west of the Antelope Valley California Poppy Monterey U (14,494 ft) P V as it travels in groups I Reserve; access the park via Lancaster Rd., N Visalia A A L called pods off the coast and an extension of West Ave. I near Lancaster. 5 V L A E each winter and spring. C Big Sur 395 (661) 942-0662. L Y L E 99 • STATE BIRD I Y HUNGRY VALLEY SVRA F Stout and social, the California Hungry Valley includes more than 19,000 acres I quail (Callipepla californica) C with 4,000 acres of open riding area, 130 miles can be seen individually or in Bakersfield 15 of trails, and a wide variety of trails and terrain. flocks of up to 1,000. Riding opportunities provide excitement for both beginner and experienced off-roaders. • STATE REPTILE San Luis Obispo Barstow The desert tortoise Visitors can enjoy the Quail Canyon motocross W track located outside the park for an extra fee, O 101 40 Needles (Gopherus agassizii) is 4WD obstacle course, and a practice track for 5 M an endangered species that C 15 OJ 90cc (or smaller) motorcycles and ATVs. AVE has lived in California for E DESERT Spectacular wildflower displays in spring with A Santa Barbara thousands of years. ranger-guided tours on weekends. The park is W It should never be handled. 0 100 mi N W located off I-5 at Gorman, 60 miles north of Los San Bernardino • STATE FISH Angeles. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The golden trout 0 100 km 10 (661) 248-7007. Los Angeles W (Oncorhynchus aguabonita) KENNETH HAHN SRA can be found in certain Catalina Island 5 15 high-altitude Sierra This park offers picnic and play areas, two fish- W California Welcome Centers Salton ing lakes, a manmade stream, and hiking trails. W Sea streams and lakes. www.visitcalifornia.com
Its Olympic Forest holds one tree for each of the FRANK S. BALTHIS 8
54 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 18 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov San Diego CST29535-01_p20rev 4/12/043:37PMPage20 1 REGION 1 NORTH COAST ANDERSON MARSH (707) 247-3318. A roughunpaved roadcontinues tothecoast. and hikingatthis45-acreredwood grove. Escape thecrowds for aday ofquietpicnicking STANDLEYADMIRAL WILLIAM are popularwithhikers, and equestrians, Trails withinAnnadel’sin existence. 5,000acres oakwoodland outstanding example ofnorthern sitesandthemost industry California quarry significantnative preserves This park andearly ANNADEL (707)994-0688. its August Festival. Blackberry popular for picnicking, hiking,bird-watching, and Once hometothePomos, is the1,065-acrepark >> 20 California StateParks North Coast North SP SHP SRA ernmost outpost in North America. ernmost outpostinNorth ImperialRussia’s south- Ross, andFort was built; Flag Revolt andwherethelastCalifornia mission thesiteof1846Bear Coast includes Sonoma, oftheNorth Therich history and wildlife areas. secluded coves, coastalbluffs, redwood forests, T is characterized byis characterized old-andsecond-growth ofthestate part andrugged green, his wild, miles oftrails areidealfor hikers andequestrians. Morethan25 Redwoods SR. adjoining Armstrong redwoodcontrast grove tothecool,dark inthe Open forests terrain area andsteeprugged AUSTIN CREEK office (707)865-2391. District visitorcenter,parking, andpicnicking. accessible trail, aswell asaccessible restrooms, hasamultisensory Thepark relaxing options. grown to805acresthatoffer visitorsmany inthe1890shas James Bodyston Armstrong The 440-acregrove by preserved Colonel ARMSTRONG REDWOODS office(707)938-1519. District isopenfor Thepark day useonly. bicyclists. Open road inHumboldtRedwoods SP SRA SR www.Parks.CA.gov
FRANK S. BALTHIS 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page213/3/046:26PM
FRANK S. BALTHIS AZALEA office (707)865-2391. District Redwoods picnicarea. the Armstrong long andpulledtrailers ofany length,beginsat The road,closedtovehicles morethan20feet www.Parks.CA.gov (707)942-4575. restored millisopenmostdays. isopenevery Thepark day, andthe the 1840s. into flouronlandreceived viaaMexican grant in Edward Turner Napa Baleturned Valley’s grain BALE GRISTMILL (707) 488-2041. pink andwhiteblossoms scentstheair. aprofusionof spring, During ofEureka. north Western azaleasthrive inthis30-acre reserve 300 miles to Portland to miles 300 0 0 SR Navarro RiverRedwoods Grizzly CreekRedwoods Humboldt Redwoods Standish-Hickey Sinkyone Wilderness Richardson Grove Westport-Union Landing Del NorteCoastRedwoods Benbow Lake Prairie CreekRedwoods Mendocino Headlands Tolowa Dunes 50 km SHP Fort Humboldt Humboldt Lagoons Kruse Rhododendron Caspar Headlands Patrick's Point Schooner Gulch Harry A.Merlo Little River Armstrong Redwoods MacKerricher Manchester Van Damme Trinidad Greenwood Jug Handle 50 mi Crescent City Salt Point Pelican Eureka Sonoma Coast Fort Ross Fortuna Annadel 30 miles to San Francisco San to miles 30 Fort Bragg al (707)942-4575. fall. summerand concessionoperates during riding Ahorseback center (openweekends), andtrails. pool andaccessible camping,picnicking, visitor hasaseasonalswimming Thepark the 1840s. This areawas hometothe Wappo Indiansuntil BOTHE-NAPA VALLEY (707)247-3318. and Shakespeare performances. festival Benbow hostsasummerarts activities. sites andaseasonallake for water-oriented Theday-use areahasgroup and picnicking. offersBenbow Inn,thispark accessible camping Located ontheEelRiver nearthehistoric BENBOW LAKE Cloverdale Azalea Smithe Redwoods Admiral WilliamStandley Willits Jedediah SmithRedwoods Santa Rosa Ukiah Healdsburg Russian Gulch Mendocino Woodlands Montgomery Woods SRA Hendy Woods Mailliard Redwoods Clearlake California StateParks Anderson Marsh SP Clear Lake Jack London Sonoma Sugarloaf Ridge Petaluma Adobe Austin Creek Bothe-Napa Valley Bale GristMill 21 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 22 3/16/04 12:00 PM
1
Coastal hiking at FORT HUMBOLDT SHP Sinkyone Wilderness SP This partially reconstructed outpost, built in the 1850s to settle the conflict between local Native Americans and incoming settlers, features a his- torical museum with military and native displays depicting then-common events of the region. NORTH COAST NORTH The park has a logging museum and exhibit and 2 operational steam engines. (707) 445-6567. FORT ROSS SHP Fort Ross was in operation from 1812 to 1841 as a trading outpost for the Russian-American
REGION 1 Company. One original building and five reconstructed structures exist within the stockade walls. A visitor center with accessible restrooms reveals the 3,000-acre park’s unique natural and cultural history. The Reef Campground is located 1 mile south of the fort and is open seasonally (no reservations accepted). (707) 847-3286. GREENWOOD SB Sea stacks and coastal bluffs make this a classic North Coast park. Once the site of a redwood lumber mill, now it is favored by picnickers and anglers. (707) 937-5804. GRIZZLY CREEK REDWOODS SP Once the noon stop for horse-drawn stage- coaches, this 399-acre park is a fine place for swimming or fishing in the Van Duzen River and hiking through the redwoods. (707) 777-3683. CASPAR HEADLANDS SB & SR HENDY WOODS SP These 2 park units protect about half a mile of This 850-acre park encompasses more than sculpted rocks, crashing waves, and splashy 100 acres of old-growth redwoods. Two displays of seasonal wildflowers. Surrounded campgrounds have become base camps by a housing development, the reserve’s for travelers visiting the Wine Country. entry permit can be obtained free of charge at (707) 937-5804. the California State Parks district office 2 miles north of Russian Gulch on Pt. Cabrillo Dr., off HUMBOLDT LAGOONS SP Hwy. 1. (707) 937-5804. & HARRY A. MERLO SRA Three lagoons grace the two parks. During CLEAR LAKE SP heavy storms, they can overflow into the ocean, This park is on the south end of California’s carving a deep channel, which can drop their third-largest freshwater lake. Fishing for bass, water levels by as much as 6 feet in an hour. catfish, and bluegill is accessible, as are Later, the surf and tide reform the beach. picnicking and camping. Summer brings (707) 488-2041. swimmers and water-skiers to the lake’s relatively warm waters. (707) 279-4293. HUMBOLDT REDWOODS SP This park includes 17,000 acres of old-growth DEL NORTE COAST REDWOODS SP redwoods and the majestic Avenue of the Combining spectacular Pacific coastline with Giants among its 53,000 acres. Campers can dense stands of old-growth redwoods, this park choose from family campsites, environmental has a campground with accessible campsites, sites, trail camps, a hike and bike camp, restrooms, and exhibits. (707) 464-6101, ext. group and horse camps. (707) 946-2409 or 5120 or 5064. 946-2015; www.humboldtredwoods.org. STEVE CASIMIRO
22 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 24 3/3/04 6:27 PM
1
JACK LONDON SHP MANCHESTER SP The Call of the Wild author made Sonoma’s The San Andreas Fault runs into the ocean at Valley of the Moon his home in 1905. From 1,400-acre Manchester State Park in southern his cottage, he wrote numerous short stories, Mendocino County. The park offers winter novels, and articles while overseeing ambitious steelhead runs in 2 creeks, habitat for tundra agricultural enterprises. 1,400 acres of cultural swans, great surf fishing, and 5 miles of sandy
NORTH COAST NORTH and historical trails. (707) 938-5216. beach. (707) 937-5804. JEDEDIAH SMITH REDWOODS SP MENDOCINO HEADLANDS SP This 10,000-acre park with some of the world’s Wind through the picturesque village of tallest old-growth trees was named for Jedediah Mendocino, just off Hwy. 1, and you will be Smith, who in 1827 became the first white man greeted by headlands that jut into the Pacific Ocean. The park’s paths wind along these bluffs
REGION 1 known to have crossed the coastal mountain range. Accessible group camping and rest- and provide ocean vistas, seasonal whale rooms, hike/bike sites, hiking trails, river access, migration viewing, and springtime wildflower and fishing are also available. (707) 464-6101, displays. The 7,400-acre Big River Unit has a ext. 5112 or 5101 or 5064. sandy beach, redwood forest trails, and estuary exploration opportunities for non-motorized JUG HANDLE SR watercraft travelers. (707) 937-5804. This reserve offers a firsthand look at 500,000 years of California’s geological history. A 2.5- MENDOCINO WOODLANDS SP mile nature trail leads through 5 terraces uplifted This 720-acre, year-round retreat is deep in a from the sea approximately 100,000 years peaceful redwood forest 7 miles east of apart. The lowest terrace still battles ocean Mendocino’s spectacular coastline. Each of its 3 waves, the third terrace has a unique pygmy camp areas is equipped with rustic, well- forest, and terraces above display more appointed dining and recreation halls, 2- and advanced vegetation. (707) 937-5804. 4-bedroom cabins, and communal restrooms with hot showers and electricity. Built during the KRUSE RHODODENDRON SR 1930s, the 3 camps can accommodate groups This park boasts thickets of sun-loving only. For information and reservations call rhododendrons, which sprang up after a (707) 937-5755. forest north of Jenner was destroyed by fire. Now, clusters of pink blossoms cover parts MONTGOMERY WOODS SR of the reserve from April through June. Remote and beautiful, the reserve’s 1,140 District office (707) 865-2391. acres offer picnicking and a 2-mile nature trail that winds through small yet impressive LITTLE RIVER SB old-growth stands of redwoods that contain the The park’s 112 acres of undeveloped expanses world’s tallest tree. West of Hwy. 101 in the of flat sand and low dunes are located on the heart of the Coast Range, it is near the hot south side of Little River. (707) 488-2041. springs resort of Orrs Springs. MacKERRICHER SP (707) 937-5804. Eight miles of beach offer refuge to harbor NAVARRO RIVER REDWOODS SP seals and a playground for hikers, bicyclists, This 673-acre park parallels the Navarro River and birdwatchers, plus trails, a visitor center, and Hwy. 128. Walking paths through redwood exhibits, fishing, and accessible camping. groves and limited fishing are available. There There are 139 developed and 10 are 2 year-round campgrounds: Paul M. walk-in campsites, and a horseback riding Dimmick, with 25 developed sites, and Navarro concession nearby. From December through Beach, with 10 primitive sites (no water, March, the park’s headland is a great chemical toilets). Ranger-led canoe trips are place to see migrating whales. (707) 937-5804. offered at Navarro Beach spring through fall. (707) 937-5804. MAILLIARD REDWOODS SR By redwood park standards, Mailliard PATRICK’S POINT SP Redwoods is quite small, with only 242 acres of Whale watching from high bluffs, wandering old-growth and second-growth forests, but it is miles of beach, exploring tide pools, and a good place in which to escape crowds. searching for agates are typical activities at (707) 937-5804. Patrick’s Point. Sumeg, a recently constructed
24 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 26 3/16/04 12:02 PM
1
The rocky shoreline at Patrick’s Point SP NORTH COAST NORTH REGION 1
Yurok Indian village, offers a look at an ancient through the last weekend in October. The and fascinating culture. Accessible camping, preserve grounds are open for pedestrian use lodging, picnicking, exhibits, and trails. from sunrise to sunset daily. Accessible parking (707) 677-3570. is available in front of the light station residences. (707) 937-0816. PELICAN SB Travel north of Crescent City along California’s PRAIRIE CREEK REDWOODS SP coastline to find this small, secluded beach, a Paralleling 8 miles of Hwy. 101, 50 miles north of quiet retreat for beachcombers. Pay close Eureka, lies one of California’s most popular attention, as the road to the beach is easy to redwood parks. Roosevelt elk graze in the open miss; take the last road before the agricultural prairie adjacent to the Newton B. Drury Parkway inspection station, 21 miles north of Crescent and along much of Gold Bluffs Beach. Fern City on Hwy. 101. (707) 464-6101, ext. 5151. Canyon, a steep-sided canyon with walls blanketed with ferns, is just one destination PETALUMA ADOBE SHP along the park’s 75 miles of trails. Accessible General Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo created an camping, exhibits, and trails. The 14,500-acre agricultural empire on his 19th-century, park has 75 sites in Elk Prairie Campground and 66,000-acre Mexican land grant. From 1834 until 25 along Gold Bluffs Beach. (707) 464-6106, 1850, Vallejo ran his cattle hide and tallow ext. 5301 or 5300 or 5064. business, raised sheep, bred horses, and grew numerous crops. Part of his 2-story adobe RICHARDSON GROVE SP headquarters has been restored and outfitted Stately old-growth redwood trees line the south with early California furnishings and ranch fork of the Eel River in this 2,000-acre park equipment. (707) 762-4871. named after a former California governor. The park is a traditional destination for vacationing POINT CABRILLO LIGHT STATION families and offers camping, picnicking, hiking, The preserve occupies a spectacular headland and swimming. The historic lodge building has a thrusting out into the Pacific Ocean. Park and visitor center and a nearby self-guided nature walk the half-mile down the access road to trail. (707) 247-3318. explore the Light Station. It is comprised of the lighthouse and three original lightkeepers’ ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON SP houses and outbuildings. The fully restored In 1880 the author of Treasure Island spent his lighthouse is open Saturdays and Sundays from honeymoon on the slopes of 4,343-foot Mount
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from the first weekend in March St. Helena. Today hikers climb the 5-mile trail to MARK J. DOLYAK
26 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 27 3/3/04 6:29 PM
the Napa Valley mountain’s summit for STANDISH-HICKEY SRA spectacular views of Mt. Shasta, Lassen Peak, Located at the southern gateway of the and, on clear days, the Sierra Nevada. redwoods, this park offers camping and hiking in (707) 942-4575. the redwoods, and good access to the south fork of the Eel River for swimming and fishing. RUSSIAN GULCH SP (707) 925-6482. Mendocino’s coast, waterfalls, and trails high- light this 1,300-acre park. Waves enter via the SUGARLOAF RIDGE SP “Punch Bowl” tunnel, churning inside a large The park’s 2,700 acres offer 25 miles collapsed sea cave. (707) 937-5804. of hiking trails, the headwaters of Sonoma SALT POINT SP Creek, and a horseback riding concession. This 6,000-acre park offers 6 miles of dramatic Clear days bring breathtaking views of the coastline, with an underwater park that’s a Golden Gate Bridge and the Sierra Nevada from favorite of free-divers and scuba enthusiasts. the 2,729-foot-summit of Bald Mountain. Hike through Bishop pines to see a pygmy forest Accessible picnicking, exhibits, and the and prairie, or walk along the bluffs. Campsites Ferguson Observatory (call for access to the 40- and picnic areas available. (707) 847-3221. inch telescope). (707) 833-5712 or 938-1519. SCHOONER GULCH SB TOLOWA DUNES SP This small beach and headland is for picnicking, The Smith River ends its journey to the Pacific beachcombing, and surfing. (707) 937-5804. after passing through a rich delta that consists of a sandy beach, grass-covered dunes, SINKYONE WILDERNESS SP lakes, ponds, and marshes. Coastal accesses Located on the rugged Lost Coast of California, are not well signed. Take Lake Earl Dr., this park has spectacular scenery, abundant turn west on Lower Lake Rd., and access wildlife, and over 20 miles of hiking/back- the park by turning west on Kellogg or Pala packing trail. There is a primitive campground at Rd. For access from the south, take Northcrest Usal Beach and walk-in tent sites at Needle Dr. north from Crescent City, turn west on Old Rock. Access roads are steep, narrow, and Mill Rd. and follow to the end. (707) 464-6101, unpaved; trailers and motor homes are not ext. 5151. recommended. (707) 986-7711 or 247-3318. TRINIDAD SB SMITHE REDWOODS SR Tucked in a secluded cove in the small town of Formerly a private resort, this stand of old- Trinidad, this sandy beach is a pleasant retreat growth redwoods makes a pleasant stopping from the traffic of nearby US 101. It’s point for travelers on Highway 101. There is a short hike through woods, across open undeveloped access to the Eel River for fishing bluffs, and past seasonal wildflowers down and swimming. No restrooms. (707) 925-6482. to the beach. There is a natural arch near SONOMA SHP the north end of the beach. Low tide is the best Sonoma was home of the last California time to visit. (707) 488-2041. mission, San Francisco Solano, built in 1823. Later it was secularized by the Mexican VAN DAMME SP commander of San Francisco’s presidio, Mariano The park’s sheltered and easily reached Guadalupe Vallejo, who was imprisoned by beach is a gathering place for abalone divers. American settlers in 1846 during the Bear Flag Ten miles of trails follow the Little River. The Revolt. (707) 938-9560. park has accessible camping, visitor center, and exhibits, as well as a wheelchair- SONOMA COAST SB accessible trail leading to a pygmy forest. (707) Spectacular views, sandy strands, and quiet 937-5804. coves invite exploration of 19 miles of coastline. Enjoy picnics, exhibits, and trails (accessible); WESTPORT-UNION LANDING SB spring wildflowers, colorful sunsets, and This park has beautiful beaches and blufftop whale watching. Reservations (800-444-7275) camping. The 41-acre park is a narrow, 2-mile- recommended at the 2 popular coastal camp- long strip with camping. It is a haven for tide- grounds: Bodega Dunes (wheelchair accessible) pool explorers, surf anglers, abalone divers,
FRANK S. BALTHIS and Wright’s Beach. (707) 875-3483. and spearfishing enthusiasts. (707) 937-5804.
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 27 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page283/3/046:30PM 1 Bale GristMill Sonoma MacKerricher Little River Clear Lake REGION 1 NORTH COAST Hendy Woods Trinidad Salt Point Russian Gulch Petaluma Adobe Pelican Patrick’s Point Navarro RiverRedwoods Mendocino Headlands Kruse Rhododendron Fort Humboldt Bothe-Napa Valley Azalea Armstrong Redwoods Annadel Anderson Marsh Van Damme Sugarloaf Ridge Sinkyone Wilderness Manchester Westport-Union Landing Tolowa Dunes Standish-Hickey Sonoma Coast Smithe Redwoods Schooner Gulch Robert LouisStevenson Richardson Grove Prairie CreekRedwoods Montgomery Woods Mendocino Woodlands Mailliard Redwoods Jug Handle Jedediah SmithRedwoods Jack London Humboldt Redwoods Humboldt Lagoons Harry A.Merlo Grizzly CreekRedwoods Greenwood Fort Ross Del NorteCoastRedwoods Caspar Headlands Benbow Lake Austin Creek Admiral WilliamStandley NORTH COAST REGION 1 324-4442. OHVoperations (916) (800)444-7275; Campsitereservations information (800)777-0369; General park Specific phonenumbers: For detailedcurrentinformation includingreservations, aboutparks, fees, andaccessibility, visitthewebsite www.Parks.CA.g B=StateBeach; SB SHP= Park; 28 SR SB SHP SB SP SHP California StateParks SP SP SB SR SB SP SP SHP SRA Other parks inthisregion mayOther parks beowned by California StateParks but operated by localauthorities. SRA SP SP SHP SP SB PARKS SP SP SRA SHP SB SP SHP SRA SHP State HistoricPark; SP SR SB &SR SP SP SR SR SP SR SP SR SP SP SP VA= SVRA SP SB SP SP
SRA
SP SP Visitor center Visitor
tt eiua erainAe;SS=StateSeashore. State VehicularRecreationArea;
Picnic areas Picnic
SHM = nearby Food/dining • • • • • •• • • • •• • • ••• • • • • ••• • •••••••• • • •• ••• • •• • • • •• • • ••• • • • ••• • • • •• •• • •• • ••••• ••••• • •• • • • •• • ••• •• •• • • ••• • • •• • ••••• ••• • • •• • • •• • • •• ••• • •• • ••• • ••••• • • • • • • ••• • • • •• • • • • •••••••••• • • • •• • • •• ••• •• •• • • ••••••• ••• •• ••• • •• • • • • • • •••••• •••••• • •• • • •• • • •••• • • •• • • •• • •• • ••••••••• • •• ••• ••• • • • ••• ••• ••• •• •• •• •• •• •• Museum Museum
•••• ••• ••••• • •• • • •••••••• •• •• ••••••• •• ••• •••••••• ••••• • ••••• ••• • • •••••••••• ••••••• • •••••• •••••••••••••• ••••• •• •• •• ••• •• • ••• •• ••••• ••••• • •• • •• • • ••••• Lodging nearby Lodging
tt itrclMnmn;S tt eev;SA=StateRecreation Area; SRA =StateReserve; SR State HistoricalMonument;
Campsites
FACILITIES
Boating access Boating Supplies
•••••••••
OHV access OHV Trailer sanitation station sanitation Trailer RV hook-ups RV
• • •
Bike trails Bike
Educational exhibits & programs & exhibits Educational
Boating
Canoeing/kayaking
Camping Family & childrens programs childrens & Family
• • • •
•••
Fishing Guided tours Guided
ACTIVITIES
•••• ••
Hiking Historic sites Historic
www.Parks.CA.gov
•• Horse trails Horse Nature viewing Nature
SP = State SP
Rafting
Surfing
• Swimming Windsurfing ov. 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page303/3/046:30PM 2 REGION 2 SHASTA CASCADE that serve asanaccesspointforthat serve motorboats, river The park’s 180acresinclude4milesofriverfront BIDWELL-SACRAMENTO RIVER (530)895-6144. home datestothe1860s. 10,000-square-foot John Bidwell’s 26-room, Agriculturalist, socialactivist,andpolitician BIDWELL MANSION (530)335-2777. pools, lava flows, andwildlife. explore thispark’s 6,000acresofwaterways, Canoeists, boaters, andhikers can underground. wherethe water sinks flows tothenorth frombasalticlava originate Thesprings water. Redding containsabundant ofcold,clear springs of accessible onlyby northeast boat,thispark Surrounded by ofrivers anetwork andlakes AHJUMAWI LAVA SPRINGS >> 30 California StateParks Shasta Cascade Bidwell-Sacramento River William B.Ide Castle Crags Weaverville Joss House Woodson Shasta Bridge Adobe Bidwell Mansion Lake Orovillle SHP SP wildlife abounds. andarich variety of 4,000-foot granitespires, full ofcoldwater springsviesfor attentionwith Hereaverdant park California’s greatpioneers. room mansion bring homethestoriesofsome Historicadobesanda26- of aGoldRushtown. ancientlava flows andtheruins Chinese temple, T SP Yreka combines sleepingvolcanoes andanold he granddramaoftheShastaCascadearea 300 miles to Portland to miles 300 58 miles to Sacramento to miles 58 Redding Chico gallons ofwater flowing over this129-foot falls Camp totheambientsoundsof100million McARTHUR-BURNEY FALLS MEMORIAL (530)538-2219. lake surface. 167 milesofshorelineand23square lake supplies boatersandhorsecamperswith inCalifornia, the The second-largestreservoir LAKE OROVILLE (530)235-2684. has 76developed campsites. It spires towering above theSacramento River. offersThe 4,350-acrepark views ofgranite CASTLE CRAGS (530)342-5185. southonemileonRiver Rd. turn the river crossingbetween ChicoandI-5,then 32at Takerafters, Hwy. canoeists, andkayakers. Oroville 0 0 McArthur BurneyFallsMemorial SP SRA 80 km Plumas-Eureka by boatonly) (Accessible Lava Springs Ahjumawi 20 miles to miles 20 Reno 80 mi www.Parks.CA.gov SP
MARK J. DOLYAK 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page313/3/046:34PM
MARK J. DOLYAK evril osHueSP••• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • SRA • Woodson • Bridge • SHP • • William B.IdeAdobe SHP • • Weaverville JossHouse • • Shasta SHP • • • McArthur-Burney FallsMemorialSP Bidwell-Sacramento RiverSP Bidwell MansionSHP Ahjumawi LavaSpringsSP aeOoil R • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Plumas EurekaSP SRA Lake Oroville Castle CragsSP CASCADE SHASTA REGION 2 www.Parks.CA.gov (530)243-8194. by California artists. early museum displaying morethan100finepaintings isnow avisitorcenterand restored courthouse The supplies andgoldfromthe1849rush. andmainshippingpointfor Mines” Northern honorsthe park “Queen Cityofthe This historic SHASTA (530)836-2380. anddownhill skiinwinter. country summerandcross- Camp andfishhereduring Mohawk Stamp Millandseveral otherbuildings. protectstheremainsof The 6,700-acrepark PLUMAS-EUREKA scenes intheregion(530)335-2777. each day—surely oneofthemostdramatic SHP = inthisregionmay Otherparks beowned by California State Parks but operated by localauthorities. 324-4442. OHVoperations (916) (800)444-7275; Campsitereservations information (800)777-0369; General park Specific phonenumbers: For detailedcurrentinformation includingreservations, aboutparks, fees, andaccessibility, visitthe website www.Parks.CA.g State Beach; Falls MemorialSP at McArthur-Burney andcounting, per day, 100 milliongallons State HistoricPark; PARKS SHP VA= SVRA
tt eiua erainAe;SS=StateSeashore. State VehicularRecreationArea;
SP Visitor center Visitor
SHM =
Picnic areas Picnic
Food/dining nearby Food/dining Museum Museum
tt itrclMnmn;S tt eev;SA=SaeRceto ra B= SB =State Recreation Area; SRA =StateReserve; SR State HistoricalMonument; Lodging nearby Lodging
• • • • ••
Campsites
FACILITIES
Supplies Boating access Boating
OHV access OHV Trailer sanitation station sanitation Trailer RV hook-ups RV tie as n amnfsig (530)839-2112. bass, andsalmonfishing. striped the Sacramento River, great for shad,steelhead, Acres ofvalley oakmeadows flankbothsidesof WOODSON BRIDGE (530)529-8599. Sacramento River. is locatedinapicnicareaoverlooking the Theadobememorial of theBearFlagRepublic. Ide, aleader honors park This historic William B. IDEADOBE WILLIAM B. (530)623-5284. the firstoneburned. in California, thisjosshousewas rebuilt in1874after The oldestcontinuously-used intactChinesetemple WEAVERVILLE JOSSHOUSE
•••••• •• Bike trails Bike
•• •• ••• • • • •• •• Educational exhibits & programs & exhibits Educational
Boating
Canoeing/kayaking
••••
Camping Family & childrens programs childrens & Family •••
•• •• • • • •• • ••• ••• • •• ••
SRA California StateParks Fishing Guided tours Guided •• ••• •• • ••
ACTIVITIES •• •• SHP
Hiking Historic sites Historic
SHP • •• •• Horse trails Horse Nature viewing Nature • • ••
• •••
SP = State SP Park; Rafting
• • •• •
31 Surfing
Swimming Windsurfing • • • • ov. 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 32 3/16/04 9:24 AM
3 >> Gold Country he excitement of the 1848 gold discovery Tat Coloma, the Gold Rush that followed, and the movement for statehood come to life in this region. Roam the “diggings,” and visit Gold Rush towns to learn about the adventurous men and women who built them. Among the attractions are the Governor’s Mansion, the State Capitol Museum, and the State Railroad Museum. Come ride a steam engine through classic
REGION 3 GOLD COUNTRY Western countryside!
AUBURN SRA CALIFORNIA STATE Whitewater rafting, mountain biking, off-highway INDIAN MUSEUM SHP vehicle (OHV) riding, and wilderness hiking in this As many as 300,000 Indians lived in California 42,000-acre park include 40 miles of steep river before the arrival of the first Europeans. canyon on the north and middle forks of the In addition to a fine collection of Native Californian American River. Lake Clementine offers access cultural artifacts, the accessible museum includes for fishing, limited power boating, and boat-in an exhibit that explores the impact of the camping (reservations required), and primitive Gold Rush on California’s indigenous peoples. camping (first come, first served). (530) 885-4527. (916) 324-0971. CALIFORNIA STATE CAPITOL MUSEUM CALIFORNIA STATE Tours and exhibits delve into the California State MINING AND MINERAL MUSEUM Capitol’s past and present. Restored rooms offer The museum displays California’s official fascinating glimpses into California’s turn-of-the- mineral collection, established in the 19th century architecture, society, and politics. century. Nearly 13,000 specimens make up Free guided tours are given hourly from 9 a.m. to these treasures of nature, including many 4 p.m. For group tours of 10 or more, call rarities discovered during the mid- to late 1800s. toll-free (866) 240-4655. Tours, exhibits, and Displays include the Fricot Nugget, the largest most areas of the Capitol and its grounds (includ- crystalline gold specimen discovered during the ing a 40-acre garden) are accessible; assistive Gold Rush era, and exhibits that relate the hearing devices are available for use on tours. importance of minerals and mining in the past, (916) 324-0333; www.StateCapitolMuseum.com. present, and future. Largely accessible. (209) 742-7625. Nothing but smiles at CALIFORNIA STATE RAILROAD MUSEUM Sutter’s Fort SHP The role of the railroads in shaping the overall development of California and the West is depicted throughout the building, widely regarded as the finest interpretive railroad museum in North America. Included is a Pullman-style sleeping car and a fully equipped dining car. Exhibits and restrooms are accessible. Steam train rides are avail- able weekends, April through September. (916) 445-6645 or (916) 323-9280; www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org.
COLUMBIA SHP Between the 1850s and the 1870s, the “Gem of the Southern Mines” produced more than 2.5 COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA STATE COURTESY
32 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 33 3/3/04 6:35 PM
million ounces of gold. A boomtown during the one of the richest, producing nearly 6 million rush for gold, Columbia had shrunk to a small ounces. The entrance to 367 miles of abandoned community by the time the gold was gone. The and flooded mine shafts is open, along with many old business district has been preserved, with of the mine yard buildings, the former owner’s shops, restaurants, and two hotels that maintain home, and the formal gardens. (530) 273-8522. the flavor of the Gold Rush. (209) 588-9128. FOLSOM LAKE SRA DELTA MEADOWS Located at the base of the Sierra Nevada gold Delta Meadows preserves a remnant of the country, Folsom Lake is one of the most popular Sacramento River Delta as it was before dams and recreational lakes in the state. Its 75 miles of leeves controlled the annual flooding. The 300- shoreline offer beautiful vistas of the Sierra acre park is most accessible by boat. Boats may Nevada foothills as well as boating, fishing, anchor for up to 15 consecutive days in “Railway swimming, camping, and picnicking. Access to Slough,” behind the town of Locke. (916) 777-7701. more than 32 miles of paved bike/hike paths EMPIRE MINE SHP provides connection to longer trails. Multi- Grass Valley was an active gold-mining town for purpose trails offer horseback riding, hiking, and more than 100 years, and its Empire Mine was mountain biking opportunities. Within the COURTESY OF CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS OF CALIFORNIA STATE COURTESY
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 33 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page343/3/046:35PM 3 REGION 3 GOLD COUNTRY GOVERNOR’S MANSION tours(916)985-4843. (916)988-0205; rooms. Accessible rest- the marble controlswitchboard. Thevintageturbinesarestillinplace, asis ago. until 1952,itstilllooksmuch asitdid100years Fullyoperational itsdebut. gun salutetomark to Sacramento in1895,withtheroarofa100- The Folsom Powerhouse power broughtelectric FOLSOM POWERHOUSE (916) 988-0205. fishing pier, picnicking, trails, andcamping. Accessible features includea picnicking. swimming, canoeing,kayaking, sailing,and recreation,suchasfishing, non-motorized Lakepark, Natoma’s 14-mileshorelineoffers for celebrations andceremoniesby several villageused Thereisareconstructed lived. pines andoakwoodlands whereMiwoks once offersThe park campingyear-round amongthe INDIAN GRINDINGROCK (916)323-3047. here. insight intothelives ofthefamilies thatlived Guidedtoursoffer last governor toresidethere. until 1967,whenRonaldReaganbecamethe 1903 andwas usedby allsubsequentgovernors official residencefor California’s governors in Itbecamethe Gallatinin1877. merchant Albert The mansionwas built by hardware store 34 California StateParks Ceremonial roundhouse at Indian GrindingRock SHP SHP SHP SHP Tuesday (916)985-7378. for day useonly. isopen Thepark Thursday through 50. Hwy. downtown Sacramento and3milessouthof the Sierra Nevada foothills, 20mileseastof Cityislocatedatthebaseof Prairie enjoyable. and 4-wheel-drive vehicles bothchallengingand and tracks for motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, findthevarietywell ofterrain, asexperts trails cobbled on,beginnersas minetailingstoride With approximately 850 acres ofrollinghillsand PRAIRIE CITY www.californiastaterailroadmuseum.org. (916) 445-6645or323-9280; ofthePony terminus the western Express. HastingsBuilding, was planned,andtheB.F. where much ofthe Transcontinental Railroad astheBigFoursuch structures Building, canbeseenin California GoldRushhistory AlotofSacramento and Landmark. Historic Old Sacramento isaregisteredNational OLD SACRAMENTO (530) 622-3470. River.along theSouthFork oftheAmerican There arehikingtrails andpicnicareas and thegolddiscovery thatalteredtheirlives. SutterandJames Marshall of JohnA. Otherexhibits tellthestory andtools. articles, on GoldRush-era miningmethods, household Visitorscanseedisplays town ofColoma. encompassesabout70percentofthe This park MARSHALL GOLDDISCOVERY (530)265-2740. fishing (withassistance). camping, picnicking, exhibits, restrooms, and Accessible visible inthe3,000-acrepark. away thehillsides, theeffects arestill technique ofusingpowerful jetsofwater towash downstream communities endedthemining Though legalbattlesbetween mineowners and MALAKOFF DIGGINS (916) 324-7405. Closedfor restoration. residing inituntil1874. Stanford expanded andremodeledthehome, from 1862to1864,purchasedthemansion. Pacific Railroad,andgovernor ofCalifornia Stanford, oneoftheBigFour oftheCentral Four years later, Leland built thishomein1857. Fogus Sacramento businessman SheltonC. LELAND STANFORD MANSION (209)296-7488. exhibits, andvideo. Accessible camping,picnicking, Miwok culture. Chaw’se RegionalIndianMuseumdisplays the California Native communities; American SVRA SHP SHP www.Parks.CA.gov SHP SHP
MARK J. DOLYAK
FRANK BALTHIS 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 35 3/3/04 6:36 PM
RAILTOWN 1897 SHP In the heart of California’s Gold Country, the home of the historic Sierra Railroad Shops and Roundhouse combines industrial heritage and railroad history with the lore of Hollywood’s film industry. The park’s historic locomotives and railroad cars have appeared in more than 200 films, TV productions, and commercials. On weekends from April though October, climb aboard for a scenic steam train ride through the Sierra foothills. Accessible parking and exhibits. (209) 984-3953 or recorded information: (916) 445-6645; www.railtown1897.org. The California State Railroad Museum SOUTH YUBA RIVER SP at Old Sacramento SHP This park stretches 20 miles along the South SUTTER’S FORT SHP Yuba River canyon from Edwards Crossing to John Sutter, a Swiss immigrant, applied for a Bridgeport, site of the world’s longest single- 48,000-acre Mexican land grant in the span wooden-truss covered bridge. Bridgeport Sacramento Valley in 1839. Sutter’s Fort became has a Living History program, docent-led history the destination for early immigrants coming to talks, bird and wildflower walks, and scheduled California, including the ill-fated Donner Party. gold panning demonstrations on the river. There Later, Sutter was instrumental in the 1848 Gold is an accessible trail with access to the river and Rush. The fort has been restored to its 1846 accessible picnic and fishing areas. The whole- appearance and is open daily, except for some access Independence Trail follows the old major holidays. Accessible grounds, exhibits, rest- Excelsior Ditch. (530) 432-2546 or 273-3884. rooms, and text transcripts. (916) 445-4422.
Educational exhibits & programs Family & childrens programs
Trailer sanitation station
Food/dining nearby Canoeing/kayaking
Lodging nearby Boating access Nature viewing Visitor center RV hook-ups Guided tours Historic sites Windsurfing Picnic areas OHV access Horse trails Swimming REGION 3 Campsites Bike trails Museum Supplies Camping Boating Fishing RaftingSurfing GOLD COUNTRY Hiking
PARKS FACILITIES ACTIVITIES Auburn SRA • ••• • • •••• •••••• • California State Capitol Museum • ••• •••••• California State Indian Museum ••• • •• CA State Mining & Mineral Museum ••••• • • • • • California State Railroad Museum • ••••••• Columbia SHP •• • • ••••• Delta Meadows •• ••• •• • Empire Mine SHP • • ••• • • •••• • Folsom Lake SRA • • •• • •••••••• ••••••• • Folsom Powerhouse SHP • • •••• Governor’s Mansion SHP • ••• ••• Indian Grinding Rock SHP •••••• • • •••• • Leland Stanford Mansion SHP CLOSED DURING RESTORATION Malakoff Diggins SHP • • • • • •••••• • ••• • Marshall Gold Discovery SHP ••••• • •• ••• Old Sacramento SHP ••• • •••• Prairie City SVRA ••• • Railtown 1897 SHP • • •• ••• South Yuba River SP • • •• ••• •••• •• • Sutter’s Fort SHP ••• • • For detailed current information about parks, including reservations, fees, and accessibility, visit the website www.Parks.CA.gov. Specific phone numbers: General park information (800) 777-0369; Campsite reservations (800) 444-7275; OHV operations (916) 324-4442. Other parks in this region may be owned by California State Parks but operated by local authorities. SP = State Park; SHP = State Historic Park; SHM = State Historical Monument; SR = State Reserve; SRA = State Recreation Area; SB = State Beach; SVRA = State Vehicular Recreation Area; SS = State Seashore . MARK J. DOLYAK FRANK BALTHIS
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 35 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page363/16/049:24AM 4 REGION 4 HIGH SIERRA >> apn n incig (530)582-7892. camping andpicnicking. Trail Museum,swimming, andaccessible skitrails, offerspark theEmigrant cross-country mountain crossinginthewinterof1846-47, totheDonnerParty’sA memorial attempted DONNER MEMORIAL (530)525-3345. and campsites. This stunningLake Tahoe beachalsohastrails BLISS D.L. (209) 795-2334. ofStockton. locatednortheast state park a mid-Sierra Nevada elevation experience inthis Two protectedgroves ofgiantsequoiasprovide CALAVERAS BIG TREES (530)583-5475. Skicenter: (530) 525-3345. Park: skiing. open inwinterfor cross-country meadows, andstreams, is much ofthepark Boasting 2,000acresofundeveloped forest, BURTON CREEK (760)647-6445. ghosttownpreserved inthe West. Now it’s the best- gamblers, andprostitutes. Bodie attracted miners, hoteloperators, California’s goldminingtown, mostnotorious BODIE 36 California StateParks SHP High Sierra SP SP SP SP Monoliths atMono n tr twr”oftufatemptphotographers. and stark “towers” alkalinewaters whose 60squaremilesofsalty, both magnificent Lake Tahoe andeerieMonoLake, and park usedfor NativeAmericanceremonies; astatehistoric a large goldminingghosttown; Thisregionalsoisthesiteof beautiful HighSierra. reaching for theclouds—these describethe C Lake Tufa SR Lake Tufa taightsrns andgiantsequoias steaming hotsprings, rystal-clear lakeshighinthesnow country, ouain.(760)647-6331. populations. largebird Thealkalinelake supports surface. formations thatdeveloped underthelake’s spectacular scenery, including unusual tufa MonoLake offersand theGreatBasindesert, Surrounded by theSierra Crest,volcanoes, MONO LAKE TUFA (530) 577-0802. Golfcourse: (530)525-3345. Park: winter. during skiarea and asnowmobile and cross-country summer championship 18-holegolfcourseduring This Lake Tahoe-area offers statepark a LAKE VALLEY (530)546-4212. end ofLake Tahoe. volleyball atthisday-use-only onthenorth park Visitors cometoswim, bask inthesun,andplay KINGS BEACH (530) 694-2248. waters providespring thispark’s appeal. skiingand102-degree mineral Cross-country GROVER HOT SPRINGS (530)525-7277. types. b an eclecticcombinationofScandinavian attractions, alsoshowcases thispark Vikingsholm, One ofLake Tahoe’s mostphotographed natural EMERALD BAY On therighttrack atDonnerMemorialSP SRA SRA SP SR SP www.Parks.CA.gov uilding
TOP: GARY N. CRABBE; BOTTOM: MARK DOLYAK 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page373/3/046:37PM
TOP: GARY N. CRABBE; BOTTOM: MARK DOLYAK ..BisS • • • • • • • • Wassama RoundHouseSHP • Washoe MeadowsSP • Tahoe SRA • • Mono LakeTufa SR • SP Grover HotSprings Donner MemorialSP SP D.L. Bliss Calaveras BigTrees SP Burton CreekSP Bodie SHP HIGH SIERRA REGION 4 ig ec R • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Sugar PinePointSP SRA Lake Valley Kings BeachSRA Emerald BaySP WASSAMA ROUND HOUSE (530) 525-3345. forestlands have notbeendeveloped. The 620-acrepark’s meadows and fished inthisareafor thousandsofyears. The Washoe ofNative tribe Americans WASHOE MEADOWS (530) 583-3074or525-7232. shoreline, apier, and26campsites. Lake Tahoe, directaccesstothelake offersThis 57-acrepark excellent views of TAHOE (530)525-7232. in winter. trails in summerandmilesofcross-country access tobeachareasandthePineLodge Year-round campgrounds complement SUGAR PINEPOINT www.Parks.CA.gov SHP = but operated by localauthorities. region may beowned by California StateParks operations (916)324-4442. OHV (800)444-7275; Campsite reservations information (800)777-0369; General park numbers: the website www.Parks.CA.gov. including reservations, fees, andaccessibility, visit For detailedcurrentinformation aboutparks, (209)742-7625. Native Americans. ceremonial meetingplacefor California’s asa isusedprimarily This 27-acrepark raS =StateSeashore. SS Area Beach; =State SB =StateRecreationArea; SRA =StateReserve; SR Historical Monument; ; State HistoricPark; VA= SVRA PARKS SRA
State VehicularRecreation Visitor center Visitor inthis Other parks SP
SHM = SP Picnic areas Picnic
Specific phone
Food/dining nearby Food/dining = State SP Park;
• Museum Museum State
SHP
• •• Lodging nearby Lodging • •••• • • •• ••• ••• 175 miles 175
Francisco
•••• •• •• •• •• •• Campsites
San FACILITIES to
Boating access Boating Supplies
•• • ••
OHV access OHV Trailer sanitation station sanitation Trailer
20 miles to Reno to miles 20 RV hook-ups RV Round House to Monterey to
Wassama
130 miles 130 Bike trails Bike
•• Educational exhibits & programs & exhibits Educational
Boating
Canoeing/kayaking
• •• ••••
Camping Family & childrens programs childrens & Family Winter in Closed
••• •• • • •• • •• • • ••••• • •••• Washoe Meadows D.L. Bliss Sugar PinePoint Donner Memorial Burton Creek Emerald Bay Kings Beach Tahoe • •••• ••••••••• 110 miles to Los Angeles Los to miles 110
Lake Valley
California StateParks Fishing Guided tours Guided ••••
Grover HotSprings
•• •• •• ACTIVITIES
Hiking Historic sites Historic •• ••• Calaveras BigTrees
• • Horse trails Horse Nature viewing Nature
Bodie Rafting • • •• • • • ••
Mono LakeTufa
37 Surfing
Swimming Windsurfing • • • •• • • • • 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page383/16/049:25AM 5 REGION 5 SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA >> ANGEL ISLAND cl ha) 45 3-95Ta or:897-0715. (415)435-1915.Tram tours: (call ahead). tram tour, exhibits, Cove Café,andavan withalift Accessible picnicking, boating, Asian immigrants. arrival of Station Museumdetailsthehistoric TheImmigration tours withbreathtakingviews. hiking trails, bike rentals, andseakayak The islandoffers campsites, bikingand campaigns andlaterhometoaNike missilebase. fromthe soldiers returning World War IIPacific Itwas next ajumping-offpointfor ings. manycamp preserves build- ofitswooden army Vallejo, orOakland/Alameda,thisformer Civil War fromSanFrancisco, trip ferry A brief Tiburon, 38 China CampSP Mountain bikerat California StateParks a rnic a Area Bay Francisco San SP square miles—it’s theSanFranciscoBay Area. 20,000 surveys amountainthat studded hillsides, oak- Lighthouses, Monarch butterfly migration. an austerepointthatalsomarksthepathofa elephantsealsbreedon northern and horse trails; marshes state T most recognizable sightsaswellthefirst his regionishometosomeoftheworld’s aka i ai.Shelteredcoves andtidal park atBigBasin. lead toredwood forests tracedby hiking iigtal n etcbn.(831)338-8860. hiking trails andtentcabins. Other accessible features includenatureand accessible exhibits. natural andcultural history accessible), 5trail camps, 35tentcabins, and There are147developed campsites(some streams, waterfalls, andold-growth redwoods. with over 80milesoftrails passingamong 1902, hasgrown tomorethan18,000acres, California’s established oldeststatepark, in BIG BASIN REDWOODS (209)874-2056or826-1197. and cyclists. This lake ispopularamonganglers, windsurfers, BETHANY RESERVOIR (707)745-3385. craftmanship. detail, showcasing mid-19thcentury intricate The Capitol’s hasbeenrestoredin interior Sacramento becametheseatofgovernment. of capitals, withBeniciathethirdbefore California’s statehoodsaw early asuccession BENICIA CAPITOL (707)648-1911. walkers, andin-lineskaters. exercise enthusiasts, cyclists, includingrunners, become apopulardestinationfor outdoor grass-covered hillsidesand wetlands have emptying intoSanFrancisco Bay, thepark’s On theCarquinezStrait whereitnarrows before BENICIA picnicking andvisitorcenter(650)879-0227. Accessible (650)879-2033. through March31. guides areoffered weekends only, December15 Wheelchair-accessible guidedwalks andASL (800)444-4445. only available viaguidedwalks: is through March31,dailyaccesstothereserve thebreedingseason,December15 During dunes. onthe males battlingandfemales givingbirth elephantseals, offers thespectacleof northern areaforThis reserve, amajorgathering AÑO NUEVO SRA SR SHP SRA SP www.Parks.CA.gov
STEFANIE DEUTSCH 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 39 3/16/04 9:26 AM
0 50 mi Benicia 0 50 km Olompali Marconi Conference Center Tomales Bay Napa 50 miles to Sacramento Benicia Capitol China Camp
San Rafael Samuel P. Taylor Walnut Creek Mount Diablo Mount Tamalpais Oakland Eastshore State Park* Angel Island Bethany Reservoir San Francisco Albany State Marine Candlestick Point Reserve (Berkeley)* San Mateo Coast Livermore 110 miles to Yosemite Village Butano Palo Alto Carnegie Big Basin Redwoods Emeryville Crescent State Pigeon Point Light Station San Jose Marine Reserve (Emeryville)* Castle Rock Henry Cowell Redwoods Santa Cruz Mission The Forest of Nisene Marks Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz Natural Bridges Santa Cruz New BrightonSeacliff Sunset 35 miles to Monterey
* New state park unavailable for public use, pending planning, facility development and staffing.
BUTANO SP Livermore and Tracy. Day-use hours are from Located in the Santa Cruz mountains, this park 8 a.m. until sunset, and the park is open seven is only 3 miles from the ocean. Trails meander days a week. (925) 447-9027. through coastal scrub and redwood forests. The CASTLE ROCK SP higher mountains afford coastal views. Butano Dense stands of coast redwood, madrone, and offers 20 developed campsites, as well as 18 Douglas fir are broken by rock formations and walk-in sites. (800) 444-7275. Accessible visitor superb views of the coast range stretching to the center. (650) 879-2040 . ocean. More than 33 miles of trails for hikers and CANDLESTICK POINT SRA equestrians wind through the park. Overnight This popular Bay Area park has much to offer— camping for backpackers. (408) 867-2952 or windsurfing, group picnicking, and riding bikes (831) 338-8861 (for backcountry registration). along the bike trail. Accessible approach to pier, CHINA CAMP SP fishing platform, picnic area, and garden. Site of the Bay Area’s last Chinese shrimp- (415) 671-0145. fishing village—dating to the 1880s—this park offers 30 developed walk-in campsites. But more CARNEGIE SVRA come to watch the multitudes of birds and to With more than 1,500 acres of open riding area, hike, swim, fish, boat, or windsurf. Accessible Carnegie offers a variety of terrain upon which camping. (415) 456-0766. to ride. Characterized by dry rocky washes, rolling hills and steep rugged canyons, the park THE FOREST OF NISENE MARKS SP provides a setting for off-highway vehicle users In 1963, the Marks family donated 10,000 acres of all skill levels. Carnegie offers a motocross of undeveloped, second-growth redwood forest track, an ATV track, a track for younger riders, to the state. There are several picnic areas, but and a 4X4 obstacle course. The riding area also the only campground is a trail camp, located 6 includes a campground and picnic area. miles from the nearest parking area. Carnegie is located in the hills off I-580 between (831) 763-7062 or (831) 429-2850. STEFANIE DEUTSCH STEFANIE
www.Parks.CA.gov California State Parks 39 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 40 3/16/04 9:27 AM
5
HENRY COWELL REDWOODS SP OLOMPALI SHP Enjoy some of the most spectacular redwoods This park was the site of the largest Coast in the Bay Area at this convenient park. In Miwok villages. Hikers will find excellent oppor- winter, anglers fish for steelhead and salmon. tunities to hike the slopes of Mount Burdell with The nature center, nature trail campground, great panoramic vistas of the Petaluma Basin gift shop, and programs are all accessible. and hills beyond. Day use only. Accessible (831) 335-4598. picnicking. (415) 892-3383. MARCONI CONFERENCE CENTER SHP PIGEON POINT LIGHT STATION SHP Once home to a mile-high antenna which controlled The grounds of this historic 1872 lighthouse ship-to-shore communications for the western are open for tours on weekends; the light- seaboard. Historic buildings provide a spectacular house itself is closed for repairs. Reservations setting for walking trails and views of Tomales recommended for youth hostel. Hostel office is SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SAN FRANCISCO BAY Bay and its abundant wildlife. (415) 663-9020. closed between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. (650) 879-2120. MOUNT DIABLO SP Some 20,000 square miles including Lassen Peak, PORTOLA REDWOODS SP the Farallon Islands, and the Sierra Nevada are This state park is covered by Douglas fir, oaks, and visible from the summit on a clear day. The park giant coast redwoods, one of which, at 300 feet
REGION 5 offers camping as well as day use. Camping reser- in height, is among the tallest in the Santa Cruz vations recommended. (925) 837-2525. Mountains. Some campsites. (650) 948-9098. MOUNT TAMALPAIS SP SAMUEL P.TAYLOR SP This park’s twisting road to the 2,571-foot Enjoy open hillsides with hiking, mountain summit is a paradise for hikers and bicyclists. biking, and equestrian trails, creeks, canyons, It has 16 developed walk-in campsites, and 10 and thriving redwoods. Some accessible camp- rustic cabins perch on a bluff overlooking the sites, 2 group camps, an equestrian camp, Pacific. Accessible picnicking and cabin; annual accessible picnic area and trail. (415) 488-9897. Mountain Play. (415) 388-2070. SAN MATEO COAST SBs Between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, travel- ers are greeted by a series of beaches: Gray Whale Cove, Montara, and Half Moon Bay. South of Half Moon Bay lie San Gregorio , Pomponio, Pescadero Marsh Nature Preserve, and Bean Hollow state beaches. Most beaches have parking lots, picnic tables, and restroom facilities. For marsh and tide pool: (650) 879-2170. Overnight accommodations: Point Montara Light Station, (650) 728-7177. State beach information: (650) 726-8819. SANTA CRUZ SBs Several popular state beaches line this part of the coast. At New Brighton , swimming, fishing and accessible picnicking and camping are the rule; (831) 464-6330. Call (831) 475-2275 for surf A rock formation at conditions at Manresa , where accessible camping Natural Brigdes SB is also available.Twin Lakes is a popular place for swimming and picnicking, and bird watching at Schwan Lagoon is excellent. (831) 427-4868. NATURAL BRIDGES SB Named for picturesque rock formations off its SANTA CRUZ MISSION SHP coastal bluffs, the park is world-famous for its Dating to 1793, this mission was lost to earth- annual monarch butterfly migration (October to quake damage in 1857; the Neary-Rodriguez February). Picnicking, nature trail, visitor center, Adobe, the last building to survive, tells the story. and exhibits are accessible. Call for beach The park has picnic facilities and accessible rest- wheelchair and tide pool tours. (831) 423-4609. rooms and exhibits. (831) 425-5849. MARK DOLYAK
40 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov 018-049_FINAL(Rev)2 Page 42 3/3/04 7:03 PM
5
SEACLIFF SB TOMALES BAY SP This long stretch of sand and bluffs has great Featuring sheltered coves, beaches, tidal marshes, accessible facilities including picnicking, an and a forest of Bishop pines, this day-use park is interpretive center, fishing pier, a stranded great for swimming, windsurfing, and hiking. cement ship, and RV-only camping (reserva- Located adjacent to Point Reyes National tions recommended year-round). Call for beach Seashore, it also offers accessible picnic areas. wheelchair. (831) 685-6500. (415) 669-1140. SUNSET SB WILDER RANCH SP Pines and dunes protect this beach’s accessible The ranch offers 33 miles of hiking, biking, and campground from stiff breezes. An accessible equestrian trails through coastal terraces and picnic area is close to surf fishing and beach wooded valleys. Tours and an accessible combing. Strong currents make swimming haz- museum present the history of early dairy ranchers SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA SAN FRANCISCO BAY ardous. Call for beach wheelchair. (831) 763-7062. and farmers. (831) 426-0505.
Educational exhibits & programs Family & childrens programs
Trailer sanitation station
Food/dining nearby Canoeing/kayaking
Lodging nearby Boating access Nature viewing
REGION 5 Visitor center RV hook-ups Guided tours Historic sites Windsurfing Picnic areas OHV access Horse trails Swimming REGION 5 Campsites Bike trails Museum Supplies Camping Boating Fishing RaftingSurfing SAN FRANCISCO Hiking BAY AREA PARKS FACILITIES ACTIVITIES Angel Island SP • •• • • • •••••••••••• Año Nuevo SR • • • • • • • • • Bean Hollow SB • • • •• • Benicia SRA • • • • • • Benicia Capitol SHP • ••• • Bethany Reservoir SRA • • • •• •• Big Basin Redwoods SP • ••• • • • • • •••• • • ••• • Butano SP • • • • • ••••• • Candlestick Point SRA • • • • • •• • • Carnegie SVRA • • • • • • •• •• Castle Rock SP • • •• ••• China Camp SP • ••• • • • ••••••• • •• • • •• Forest of Nisene Marks SP • • • • • •• ••• Gray Whale Cove SB • • • •• •• Half Moon Bay SB • • • • • • • • ••• • ••• • Henry Cowell Redwoods SP • • • • • • • •• •• ••• Manresa SB • ••• • ••• •• Marconi Conference Center SHP • • • •• • Montara SB • • • • • • • • • Mount Diablo SP • • • • • • • • •• •• ••• Mount Tamalpais SP • • • • • • • ••••• Natural Bridges SB • • • • • • • • • • • New Brighton SB • • • • • •••••• • • Olompali SHP ••••• • •••• Pescadero SB • • • • • • • • Pigeon Point Light Station SHP • •• • • •••••• • Point Montara Light Station • • • Pomponio SB • • • • • • • Portola Redwoods SP • • • • •• •• • Samuel P. Taylor SP • • • • • • • • • •••• • San Gregorio SB • • • • • Santa Cruz Mission SHP • • • • • • • • Seacliff SB • • • • • • • ••• • • Sunset SB • • • • • ••••• • •• Tomales Bay SP • • ••• • •• Twin Lakes SB • •• • • •• Wilder Ranch SP • • • • • • • • • • • • • For detailed current information about parks, including reservations, fees, and accessibility, visit the website www.Parks.CA.gov. Specific phone numbers: General park information (800) 777-0369; Campsite reservations (800) 444-7275; OHV operations (916) 324-4442. Other parks in this region may be owned by California State Parks but operated by local authorities. SP = State Park; SHP = State Historic Park; SHM = State Historical Monument; SR = State Reserve; SRA = State Recreation Area; SB = State Beach; SVRA = State Vehicular Recreation Area; SS = State Seashore.
42 California State Parks www.Parks.CA.gov CST29535-07_ASILOMAR Page 1 3/16/04 4:28 PM
Partners in Preservation CST29535-07_ASILOMAR Page 2 3/16/04 4:28 PM