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| Area: 6,700 Acres | ||
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Pam Starr
Alyn Robert Brereton
Julie MacKinnon
Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
Larry Whiting
Randall Finley
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| San Joaquin River Gorge - Site # 284 | |||
| Background: | Over 2,000 foot elevational change in river canyon, habitats range from Oak-pine savannah to chapparal and riparian. Visitors may see deer, quail, dove, bobcat, fox, and many species of birds, CA newts and other amphibians, and wonderful displays of spring butterflies. | ||
| Emphasis is on cultural history interpretation. School programs run spring and fall, other programs are by request. | |||
| The Habitat: | Prior to human development in the San Joaquin Valley that began in the 1850s, the San Joaquin River and its tributaries tended to flood the valley in the winter months. These seasonal wetlands became habitat for the migratory birds of the Pacific Flyway. Today, environmental mitigation projects, such as the San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, have been established to recreate the seasonal wetland habitats used by these birds and many other native species. Historically, the native habitat of the endangered San Joaquin Kit Fox and riparian brush rabbit included the riparian zone near the San Joaquin River. Prior to the completion of Friant Dam in 1942, the San Joaquin River had the southern most habitat for salmon in the United States. However, the diversion of water from the upper reaches of the San Joaquin River and its tributaries significantly reduced the number of Chinook Salmon native to the river. | ||
| The Experience: | Very geologically-diverse region connecting the Great Central Valley to the High Sierras. It is a transition zone of ecosystems, temperature and elevational bands which result in a diversity of plant and animal life. | ||
| Wildlife and Where to Find It: | Trail system is over 22 miles in length and connects to Millerton State Park on the west and will eventually link to Sierra National Forest trails system to the east. Trails are moderately difficult, with shorter trails being easy, such as the hike to the SJR trail bridge near Kerckhoff 1 powerhouse. | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Birding-all year, some wintering bald eagles, spring migrations; deer winter range. | ||
| Site Notes: | The Gorge has something for everyone to discover and enjoy, with over 22 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails, a campground and group campground, horse corrals, picnic area, and the Learning Center. The Learning Center consists of a replica Mono Indian Village, museum, outdoor classrooms, bedrock mortars, simulated archeology dig site, nature trail and ponds. Interpretive programs are by reservation. In the spring, the area is blanketed with brilliant displays of wildflowers. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Sierra National Forest, Millerton Lake State Recreation Area, Yosemite National Park is within 60 miles. | ||
| Visitor Information: | Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce - (559) 495-4800 - http://www.fresnochamber.com | ||
| Viewing Site Hours of Operation are: | |||
| Staff On-site: | Yes | ||
| Open: | Everday | ||
| Hours: | We never close! | ||
| Year Round: | Yes | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved. | ||
| Road Hazards: No | |||
 Number of Parking Spaces: 60 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: Yes | |||
| Parking Notes: | |||
| How to Get There: | From Fresno: Take hwy 168 NE ('Huntington Lake'), travel approx. 15 miles to Prather, stay on 168 towards Shaver Lake, turn left onto Auberry Road, approx. 2 miles past Prather (DO NOT GO TO SHAVER LAKE!); Go through town of Auberry, take left road fork at Auberry Elementary School. This is Powerhouse Road, travel approx. 3 miles to Smalley Road. Turn left onto Smalley at BLM Entrance Sign. Travel approx. 3 miles down Smalley Road to San Joaquin River Gorge entrance. Campgrounds and trailheads are located in lower portion of the Gorge. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | Bureau of Land Management | ||
| Agency Site URL: | http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/bakersfield/Programs/Recreation_opportunities/san_joaquin_river_gorge.html | ||
| Physical Address: | 40060 Smalley Road Auberry, CA 93602 |
Agency 2: | P.O. Box 248 Auberry, CA 93602 |
| Manager Phone: | (559) 855-3493 | Contact Us: | by Email |
| Site Phone: | (559) 855-3492 | ||
| County: | Fresno & Madera | ||
| Addition Website: | |||