Our Mission The mission of California State Parks is San Luis to provide for the health, inspiration and ater education of the people of California by helping W to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological or its scarcity Reservoir diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities has always played State Recreation Area for high-quality outdoor recreation. a crucial role in Central Valley history. California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (209) 826-1197. 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 San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area 31426 Gonzaga Road Gustine, CA 95322 (209) 826-1197 www.parks.ca.gov/sanluisreservoir © 2011 California State Parks (Rev. 2017) N estled in the western San Joaquin extended to the coast. The native people trapping river otters, beavers, and other Valley near historic Pacheco Pass, San Luis lived on salmon and other fish, waterfowl, fur-bearers in the flourishing streams. Reservoir State Recreation Area is a popular large game such as pronghorns and tule elk, After the 1848 gold discovery, California summer destination for anyone seeking the seeds, roots of the cattails that grew in the drew an estimated 300,000 gold diggers perfect place to cool off. Spring rains bring marshes, and a plentiful supply of acorns trying to get rich quickly. acres of wildflowers to decorate the grassy from groves of valley oaks. Eventually, some of the miners — tired hills at the reservoir. These oak-studded European Settlement of heavy labor for small reward — settled hills undergo a short cycle of spring green, in this area and became farmers. While In 1805 Spanish Army Lieutenant Gabriel followed by the golden browns of summer. the fertile east side of the Central Valley Moraga and his troops — reportedly the Summer temperatures in this part of the was ideal for farming, the west side, first non-natives to enter this area — came valley range from the mid-90s to above however, was extremely dry. to scout potential mission sites. The Yokuts 100 degrees. Generally, evenings are cool were forcibly brought into the mission and pleasant. Annual rainfall between AGRICULTURE IN THE VALLEY system at nearby Mission San Juan Bautista, November and April averages eight to nine In the early years after the gold rush, drastically changing their lives. Indian inches. Winter temperatures seldom reach agriculture on the dry side of the valley resistance to the missions took the form freezing, but heavy fog is common. Strong was limited to sheep and cattle grazing, of cattle raids; what is now Pacheco Pass winds can come up suddenly. and to what old-timers called “sky provided raiders an escape route into the farming.” This precarious dry-land wheat PARK HISTORY relative safety of the Central Valley. farming depended entirely on the winter Native People The Mexican government granted El rainfall. When little rain fell, entire crops Rancho San Luis Gonzaga — a vast expanse For thousands of years, the southern half were lost. of grasslands that included the present of California’s Central Valley was home In 1871 the San Joaquin and Kings River reservoir area — to Juan Perez Pacheco in to three distinct Yokuts groups — the Canal Company built an irrigation canal 1843. At the site of an ancient water hole on Southern, the Foothill, and the Northern from the Mendota Dam to Los Baños San Luis Creek, Pacheco’s men built a small Valley Yokuts. The area that is now San Luis Creek that eventually grew to 180 miles adobe fortress to protect their lands from Reservoir was a borderland between the in length. cattle raiders. Northern Yokuts people and the Mutsun By the mid-1880s, wheat had reached a Fur trapper Jedediah Smith traveled branch of the Ohlone tribe, whose territory harvest peak of nearly 18 million bushels through the valley in 1827; soon others were annually. Farmers shipped their wheat to Stockton and Today, local farmers use water from San or group campsites at Basalt and San Luis San Francisco Luis Reservoir for high-tech drip irrigation; Creek campgrounds on warmer weekends by river the area has become one of the most fertile, and holidays. For details and reservations, steamers until productive, and diverse farming regions in visit www.parks.ca.gov or call (800) 444- the railroad the nation. In addition to the huge dairy 7275.Campsites at Medeiros and Los came to the industry, major crops include tomatoes and Baños Creek campgrounds are first-come, west valley almonds — thanks to the rich soil, favorable first-served. in 1888. climate, and available water. Picnicking — The San Luis Creek day- Irrigation also made it possible for use area offers shaded picnic tables farmers to raise dairy cows and grow alfalfa, NATURAL HISTORY near sandy beaches. The OHV area also fruit trees, and row crops. Irrigation and Prior to European settlement, the valley has picnic tables. Call (209) 826-1197 in flood control projects proliferated in the had a diverse natural environment. Its maze advance to reserve group picnic areas. Central Valley in the 1900s, culminating in of wetlands — creeks, rivers, vernal pools, Swimming — San Luis Creek’s North Beach the State Water Project. tule marshes, and sloughs — supported area is the only roped area designated for large populations of wildlife. Extensive swimming. Swimmers throughout the park THE RESERVOIR prairie grasslands and riparian habitat should be cautious of boats on the water. Ground was broken for construction of the sheltered tule elk, mule deer, and kangaroo No lifeguards are on duty. Scuba and San Luis Reservoir in 1962. The reservoir rats. By the 1920s, the California grizzly bear other kinds of diving are not allowed. stores runoff water from the Delta for the and the San Joaquin Valley pronghorn had Boating — All boats entering the park federal Central Valley Project and the been hunted to extinction, and only a few are inspected for invasive species. All California State Water Project. tule elk were left in the state. watercraft must carry an appropriate size The water arrives through the California In the early 1930s, state and federal personal flotation device (PFD) for each Aqueduct and the Delta-Mendota Canal, governments established reserves and passenger. Boats must remain at least pumped from the O’Neill Forebay into the wildlife management areas in California to 500 feet away from the dams and water main reservoir during winter and spring. protect species in danger of extinction. Tule structures. Watch for wind-warning lights The separate Los Baños Creek Reservoir elk are now making a comeback. and observe speed limits. Launch time prevents storm runoff in Los Baños Creek Opossums, gray foxes, coyotes, bobcats, reservations may be made at from flooding the area. and snakes (including rattlesnakes) may www.parks.ca.gov/sanluisreservoir or be seen at the reservoir. Watch for over- call (800) 444-7275. wintering bald eagles, as well as hawks, owls, white-tailed kites, and golden eagles. Migratory waterfowl include geese and several species of ducks. RECREATION Camping — San Luis Creek sites have water and power hookups. Reservations are recommended for developed family Hunting — Federal and state game EVENTS AND PROGRAMS laws apply to in-season waterfowl Visit www.parks.ca.gov for schedules of hunting — including licenses. Only shotguns campfire, interpretive and Junior Ranger are allowed. Hunting is not permitted within programs, guided walks, activities, and 500 feet of campgrounds, picnic areas, special events at San Luis Reservoir SRA. boat ramp areas, or dam and water structures. View hunting regulations at ACCESSIBLE FEATURES https://www.wildlife.ca.gov. The Romero Visitor Center, several • San Luis Reservoir — Wind-warning Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area — campsites, picnic tables, restrooms, the lights are located at the Romero Visitor A square mile of fairly flat terrain is ideal San Luis Creek Accessible Trail, routes of Center, Quien Sabe Point, and the for beginners. Two unloading ramps, picnic travel, and vault toilets are accessible. For Basalt entrance. See map for details. tables, and a barbecue are available. updates, see http://access.parks.ca.gov. • O’Neill Forebay — Watch wind-warning lights at the southeast area of Medeiros, above the South Beach picnic area, and PLEASE REMEMBER above the San Luis Creek group camp. Wind — Dangerous winds come up suddenly. When yellow warning lights are flashing on, be Boaters may beach their boats at South cautious of wind on the reservoir and forebay. When red warning lights are flashing, the lake Beach. O’Neill Forebay’s winds make it or forebay is closed. All vessels must immediately leave the water; no boating is permitted excellent for board sailing. when red warning lights are on. For weather and wind condition updates, call (800) 805-4805. Trails — The five-mile San Luis Creek Drawdown and other hazards — Lake levels fluctuate, uncovering islands and turning Accessible Trail runs along the O’Neill formerly deep areas shallow and hazardous. Check for current water levels by visiting Forebay shoreline. The Basalt Campground http://cdec.water.ca.gov. In the Most Popular Pages menu to the right, choose Real-time Trail begins west of the campground road. Data, then enter ONF for the O’Neill Forebay, SNL for San Luis Reservoir, or LBS for Los Baños The six-mile-round-trip Lone Oak Trail begins near the Basalt boat ramp. Creek Reservoir. Fishing — All anglers 16 and over must carry Speed limits — 5 mph restriction on boats within 200 feet of shoreline and on all of Los Baños a valid California fishing license.