During your visit to Murphys, CA, take a brief, scenic drive to New Melones Lake along the Stanislaus River. You’ll have a blast as you explore hiking trails, go water skiing, catch some beautiful fish, or go kayaking. To learn everything you need to know about spending the day at New Melones Lake—read on!
For additional information regarding more outdoor activities in Murphys, as well as the best wineries, restaurants, and attractions, download a copy of our complimentary Sierra Foothills Vacation Guide.
Things To Do at New Melones Reservoir
Outdoor enthusiasts will love taking a day trip to the New Melones Reservoir! The New Melones Reservoir is part of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project. It’s located off Highway 49 and is about eight miles north of Sonora and six miles south of Angels Camp in Mother Lode. The reservoir provides a myriad of activities and picturesque views of the California Gold Country.
Water Activities
For all of your boating and water sports needs, head to New Melones Lake Marina. It’s located in the Glory Hole Recreation Area and is the only full-service marina on the reservoir. They offer an array of boat rentals, including houseboats, party boats, motorboats, and pontoon boats. The marina also rents jet skis, inflatable tubes, kayaks, wakeboards, and paddleboards. In summation, they have everything you need for a glorious day out on the water.
Hiking Trails
Glory Hole Recreation Area offers six different trails to explore, ranging in difficulty from easy to challenging. It also offers fantastic opportunities for rock climbing and stargazing. A particularly appealing trail for intermediate hikers looking for a challenge is the Natural Bridges Trail. Those who take time to trek this route will enjoy river, creek, cave, and waterfall views along the way. That said, it’s a steep trail to conquer and a hot one mid-summer. The benefit of cave features on the route is that you can cool off once you reach them. There’s also a water hole at the cave on this path with streams running through the cave as well. The stream bed is dotted with large stones so if you plan to go in the water, water shoes are recommended. The natural scene makes it worth lingering at the base for a while and relishing the sights before heading up the steep incline once again. This trail is exclusive for hikers and is a pet-free route even if dogs remain leashed.
If you’re looking for even more hiking trails, head to the nearby Tuttletown Recreation Area, which includes an additional seven trails. Explore the unique landscape of Calaveras County and discover breathtaking views of the reservoir from an elevated point. When you take time to enjoy the Tuttletown Recreation Area, you’ll have easy access to the 12,500 surface acres of water that make up the New Melones Reservoir. You’ll also find yourself in a space rich in history as this area played a pivotal role in inspiring the California Gold Rush of 1849. Today, it’s a place where visitors can spend time at an elevation of 11,000 feet, admiring views of Foothill Oak woodlands standing against 100 miles of shoreline. Many visitors head to the Tuttletown Recreation area to enjoy everything from sailing and swimming to kayaking and canoeing in addition to time on the scenic trails. When you want to pick up the pace of your adventures, jet skiing, and wakeboarding are popular options on the water as well. The rich array of wildlife at the Tuttletown Recreation area means you’ll certainly want to pack your binoculars for your time enjoyed here. Many guests enjoy biking and rock climbing during a visit while the recreation area is also ideal for a fresh-air picnic by the water. As of 2021, the Tuttletown Recreation Area hosts a disc golf course which is perfect for those afternoons when you’re up for a little friendly competition in good company.
Check out a New Melones Reservoir map for a full list of trails
If you’re interested in mountain biking, bring your gear along as many of these trails also permit bikes. Be sure to keep a look for wildlife as it’s not uncommon to spot osprey hawks nesting in trees or bald eagles soaring through the skies.
Fishing
What better way to spend a relaxing day on the reservoir than by fishing? Rent a boat for the day or cast a line from the shore and try to reel in a big catch. Fishing is a year-round activity here, and anglers can catch a wide array of fish. The reservoir is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, redeye bass, and more!
Stop By the Visitor Center and Museum
The Visitor Center and Museum are open seven days a week, Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend. The museum contains displays and exhibits on the area’s geologic past, Native American history, the California Gold Rush, mining techniques, ranching, the New Melones project, and more.
Wildlife and Plant Life You Might See Around New Melones Reservoir
A visit to the New Melones Reservoir is a chance to appreciate the beauty of nature at its best. Here, flora and fauna abound, much to the delight of nature photographers, hikers, and those simply looking for an amazing view alike. If you take time to check out the many trails that run along and around the reservoir in the springtime, you’ll be treated to an array of colorful wildflowers. Some of these include blue lupine and mules ears which make a picture-perfect combination on the landscape. If you’re here to enjoy spotting wildlife, you’re in luck as well. This area is rich in deer and there are also opportunities to spot bobcats as you’re out and about. Overhead, red-tailed hawks frequent the sky alongside herons and hawks.
Bring Your Pet
If you’re visiting Murphys with your pet, they’re welcome to join you on your trip to New Melones Reservoir. The animal must be on a leash no longer than six feet in length and are not to be left unattended at any time.
Stay at Courtwood Inn
After an exciting day of outdoor adventures on New Melones Lake, come back to Courtwood Inn to relax. We’re happy to provide pet-friendly accommodations here at Courtwood Inn. You and your furry friend can stay in our Davis Cup Room, which has a private ground level entrance for your convenience.
Our hilltop bed and breakfast serves a delicious multi-course breakfast every morning, so you can be fuel up before your outdoor adventures. Check our availability and book your stay today!
