Since my husband (Aaron) and I arrived in California, outdoor activities have been part of our way of life. The feeling of looking forward to the next weekend or holiday break has motivated me to continue finding different ways to keep my body and mind healthy. Being active outdoors nurtures my heart and that is the reason why I enjoy it so much.
We started this year’s camping season on March 24th, the same time and location as last year. Despite all the unusual rain and snow we have had since the beginning of the year, this year’s camping was still outstanding! It was a two-day-two-night tent camping trip at New Melones Reservoir. This reservoir is located in the central Sierra Nevada foothills, within the counties of Calaveras and Tuolumne. The dam here collects water from the Stanislaus River and transfers it to the various locations throughout the Central Valley Project.
Last spring we discovered this beautiful reservoir when looking for places to tent camp, kayak, and fish nearby us in Sacramento. We’ve now visited the area to camp three times, and I’m always surprised by the infinite options of things to do. There are many ways to adapt to different types of trips whether you’re solo, a couple, you have kids, or even for your pawnimals!. The following is our full itinerary of where we camped, launched the kayak, hiked, and the pet-friendly attractions Barley and I visited during our weekend trip.
Day 1: Heading to the campsite, dropping off the kayak, and a dog-friendly hike.
We left the house around 11:00 AM from Cameron Park, CA heading to Glory Hole Recreation area on a stunning hour and thirty-five minute drive through the spring green Sierra Nevada foothills. Our campsite was located on the Iron Horse loop, a pet friendly campground that provides modern amenities like flush toilets, showers, and drinking water. There are picnic tables and fire rings are provided at each campsite, and an amphitheater and horseshoe pits near the Iron Horse loop. Visitors will also find a full-service marina, boat launch, day-use areas, barbecue grills, and fish cleaning stations nearby.
My husband loves fishing, and he usually finds a spot near our campsite to leave his kayak overnight. So, after getting our camp set up we headed to the boat ramp – by the way, this year we found out that the recreation area hadn't opened all the boat launching areas for the season so we used what was open– which was not very far of a drive from our campground. Kayaking, on the other hand, was a much longer distance and required an intensely inclined hike uphill to get back to our campsite (quite a workout with fishing gear in-hand, let me tell you!).
While Aaron was dropping his kayak into the lake I decided to go for a hike with Barley to try my new camera – and why not do some fishing from the shore?! I found a very easy hike, short and sweet near the campground called the Angel’s Creek Trail. In addition to small waterfalls and unique rock formations popping out of the ground, this trail is also lined with lush grasses and wildflowers, making it a perfect place for a group photo.
Glory Hole Recreation reservation site: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234073
Angel Creek Trail info:
Day 2: Exploring dog-friendly attractions.
Aaron was going to be out enjoying his time fishing, so I wanted to plan a full day of activities with Barley. I did my homework and found two pet-friendly attractions.
First we headed to Jamestown,CA to visit “Railtown 1897” which is a State Historic Park. I paid $5.00 entrance admission fee at the gift shop which included a guided tour. I was told the following weekend they would open the season of short train rides for visitors (check website or call for exact dates and cost).
Next we headed to Columbia, CA and visited Columbia State Historic Park. The entrance and parking for this experience was FREE! And let me tell you, I have been bragging to Aaron about how cool this place is. He missed out on this unique opportunity! Barley and I definitely stepped back in time, and thoroughly enjoyed exploring this California Gold Rush town. This park is an actual town that has been preserved with restaurants, shops, two hotels and a theater with live performances. In many of the stores, the staff dress and talk as if they are still living in the 1800s! The Columbia State Historic Park also offers lots of picnic tables around the park, perfect for a bite to eat and to enjoy the outdoors with the family or friends.
We spent around 2.5 hours at each place but you could easily spend more or less time if you wanted to.
Railtown 1897 site:
Explore Columbia State Historic Park site:
Day 3 The last hike
On our last day we made breakfast, broke down the camp, and packed the car. While Aaron made the trek across the lake back to the launch point for his last day of fishing, Barley and I visited another trail right across from the one we had done on Friday. This trail is called the Tower Climb Trail. This is a short 1.3 mile trail but it can be challenging, so check out the trail info to find out if it is suitable for you and your hiking partner. This time of the year everything is vivid green and wildflowers are popping out, making this steep hike so worth it! Along the way you will notice some natural spring water coming out of the ground, and far in the distance you can see a cascade dropping into the lake. It took us around 30 minutes to get to the lakeside at the end of the trail and about another 35 minutes to return to the car.
Carson Creek trail info:
After that I had lunch and took some photos of the snow capped Sierras that were visible from the parking lot of the boat ramp where I picked up Aaron and his kayak.
This beautiful, scenic area of the central Sierra Nevada foothills has many things to offer for all types of adventurous people and pawnimals! So, what are you doing next weekend? If you have visited this area before and know of a cool and unique place to visit, I would love to check it out! Leave me a message below!
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