San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area

About San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area

NOTICE: Between February 2nd to February 12th, high water flows and potential flow fluctuations are expected in the San Joaquin River below the Kerckhoff Dam. The BLM advises all visitors to stay out of the water during this time.OverviewThe scenic San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area straddles the San Joaquin River just upstream from Millerton Lake State Recreation Area and includes lands in both Fresno and Madera Counties. Multiple campground and day-use sites are available for your enjoyment including: Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Campground, Aholul Group Campground, Equestrian Campground, River Access Day-Use, and a Visitor Center with extensive opportunities for educational experiences for visitors, schools, and other groups. With over 20 miles of outstanding multi-use trails that weave their way through the management area, there's a trail waiting your next adventure. Fee ScheduleDay Use (per vehicle)………..$5Annual Pass…………………..$25Individual Campsite…………..$10Double Campsite (2 tables)….$15Equestrian Campsite…………$25RV Camping (Equestrian Camp)...$25Group Campground*…………$175Nuckahee Learning Center*…$300America the Beautiful Annual Pass...$80*The Group Campground and Nuckahee Learning Center require reservations. Please contact the Visitor Center at 559-855-3492 for more information. Trails of the GorgeThe Dumna and Kechayi Native Americans once called the Gorge home and are still active in the area, practicing their cultural traditions which include ceremonies on site. It is from their language that we derive the names of the trails contained within the Management Area. All trails are multi-use, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. Motorized use on trails is prohibited. Foot Bridge TrailDistance: 1 Mile to Foot BridgeRound Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 2 MilesThe Foot Bridge is one of the most sought-after sites here at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Please remember while the slope is gradual downhill to the Bridge, it is up-hill on

How to Get There

40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, CaliforniaThe San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area is located approximately five (5) miles northwest of the town of Auberry. Google Maps accurately locates the visitor center.From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the "Y" onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it down into the recreation area.

Plan Your Visit to San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area

Heading to San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreation Management Area? A few things to know before you go:

• Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
• Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
• Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
• Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
• Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

References & Official Resources

• Official Recreation.gov page
• View on OpenStreetMap
• Driving directions (Google Maps)