New Melones Lake News

New Melones Lake Recreation Use Fees

Join us for Reclamation’s interpretive programs this summer at New Melones Lake. All activiti are free of charge, suitable for all ages, and do not require reservations. Please wear sturdy shoe and clothing appropriate for the weather. A water bottle and sunscreen are also recommended. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

New Melones Past, Present and Future
Friday October 14, 7 pm
New Melones Lake Visitor Center

We begin our Fall Speaker Series with an evening exploring New Melones’ formation and cultural history; its present impact and what is in store for the future. Gold panning begins at 7 pm and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 pm.

Dam Overlook Hike
Saturday October 15, 10 am
Peoria Wildlife Area

Join a ranger to discuss the past, present and future of the Stanislaus River. Hike up to the overlook for a close-up view of the Dam and River Canyon. Along the way, learn the history of New Melones Lake and how the reservoir came to be. This is a moderate to strenuous 3 mile hike. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Equestrian Staging Area off of Peoria Flat Road at 10 am.

Creepy Crawlies of New Melones Lake
Friday October 28, 7 pm
New Melones Lake Visitor Center

Come out for an evening to discover some of the “scary” critters at New Melones Lake. Find out about their importance in our ecosystem and why they’re really not scary at all. Arts and crafts begin at 7 pm and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 pm.

Creepy Crawlies of Natural Bridges Hike
Sunday October 30, 10 am
Natural Bridges Trail

Explore the wonders along the Natural Bridges Trail with Ranger Hilary. Gain a better understanding of the unique ecosystems that make up this area. We will bring along microscopes and examine some of the creepy crawlies we find along the way! This is a moderate-to-strenuous downhill hike, 2 miles roundtrip. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Natural Bridges trailhead off of Parrotts Ferry Road, approximately 3 miles north of Columbia. Participants may return uphill on their own. No dogs are allowed on the trail.

Let’s Talk Turkey
Friday November 11, 7 pm
New Melones Lake Visitor Center

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, come down to the Visitors Center for an evening of fun and learning about the history of the Turkey. We will discuss their unique evolution and symbolic importance to our nation. Arts and crafts begin at 7 pm and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 pm.

Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk Hike
Sunday November 13, 10 am
Table Mountain

Now that you know a few things about Turkeys, let’s go find some! We will search in the grassy oak woodlands at the base of Table Mountain then climb to the top to enjoy the grand views of New Melones Lake. This is a moderate-to-strenuous hike, 3 miles roundtrip, with a steady 1/2 mile climb to the top of Table Mountain. Please bring water, snacks or lunch and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the corner of Shell and Rawhide Roads at 10 am.

Thanksgiving Holiday Hike
Saturday November 26, 10 am
Angels Creek, Glory Hole Recreation Area

Work off that extra helping of stuffing as we walk around the Angels Creek Loop in Glory Hole Recreation Area. Help the ranger search for and examine some of the plants and animals that make New Melones their home. This is a mild 2.5 mile hike. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes that are appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Glory Hole Entrance Station at 10 am and then caravan down to the trailhead. All participants will be given a parking pass good for the duration of the event.

The Little Engine that Could
Friday December 9, 7 pm
New Melones Lake Visitor Center

Learn about the Little Engine that Could. Jamestown and Angels Camp had a tiny railway that traversed through the rolling hills. Enjoy a historical presentation of its journey. Arts and crafts begin at 7 pm and a PowerPoint presentation at 7:30 pm.

“Gee-Whiz” Point Hike
Sunday December 11, 10 am
New Melones Visitor Center

Experience the Mother Lode’s past while we follow the tracks that traversed through the winding foothills. This is an easy 2.5 mile hike along the old Sierra Railroad tracks. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the New Melones Lake Visitor Center at 10 am and then caravan down to the trailhead.

Holiday Nature Hunt Hike
Monday December 26, 10 am
Heron Point, Tuttletown Recreation Area

Hike along with a ranger on the Heron Point trail in search of a diversity of natural wonders. Find everything on the Nature Hunt worksheet and win a prize!! This is an easy 2 mile hike. Please bring water, snacks and wear shoes appropriate for hiking. We will meet at the Tuttletown Entrance Station at 10 a.m. and then caravan down to the trailhead. Participants will receive a parking pass for the duration of the event.

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If you would like to participate in a program and need accommodation, please contact Park Ranger Tracy Neal at: 209-536-9094, extension 215, or email tneal@usbr.gov, a minimum of 14 days in advance.

The New Melones Visitor Center and Museum is managed by Reclamation’s Central California Area Office. It is currently closed for renovations but is scheduled to reopen in May, 2011. Hours of operation will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closed Mondays and Tuesdays. For additional information on activities, directions, pet restrictions, or other questions, please call 209-536-9543, (TTY 800-877-8339).

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States.Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

For more information, visit the website, or contact the New Melones Lake Recreation Resources Branch Office at 209-536-9094, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Recreation Area Gate Policy

United States Bureau of Reclamation requires that the New Melones Lake access gate be locked nightly, preventing entry to the recreation areas (a policy intended to discourage vandalism and theft). This policy is in effect for the following hours:

Spring 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Summer 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. (Effective May 1st)

Winter 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

This policy will prevent vehicles from entering the Area during those hours. Exiting will continue to be possible at all hours. For details contact the Bureau of Reclamation at 209-536-9094.

Lake Side Weather Information

For your convenience we have live up to date lake side weather information.. Click the link to view our weather site. New Melones Lake Marina Weather.

Current Lake Elevations

For current lake elevations go to: ELEVATION.

New Melones Lake U.S. Department of Interior Website