California is set to debut its first new state park in nearly a decade on June 12, 2024, at the former Dos Rios Ranch located near the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers in the San Joaquin Valley. The park encompasses 1,600 acres and aims to provide visitors with a glimpse of the region’s natural waterways prior to agricultural development.
State officials have not yet assigned an official name to the park, which is situated eight miles west of Modesto, surrounded by dairy farms and almond orchards. Notably, this project marks the largest public-private floodplain restoration effort in California’s history. According to park manager Paige Haller, the park will initially offer guided hikes and access to several newly installed picnic areas, while many additional activities will be developed in response to public feedback.
Visitors will have the option to reserve guided experiences through an upcoming park website, and temporary facilities, including restrooms, are already in place. The park is expected to open with three full-time interpretive staff members and will operate Fridays through Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. A welcome center is anticipated to be completed by year’s end, with plans for further amenities as the site continues to evolve.
The property has transitioned from its historical use as a dairy and cattle ranch, with River Partners, a California conservation nonprofit, acquiring it in 2012. The organization has since worked extensively on restoring the land’s native ecology, including the removal of berms, and has documented diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and spawning fish species.
As the park prepares for its opening day, officials are still finalizing the full range of activities, which may eventually include biking, swimming, and nonmotorized boating. Initially, the park will not charge an entrance fee, although officials anticipate implementing one in the coming years.
The Dos Rios park will join the ranks of California’s 280 other state park units, which together protect nearly 1.4 million acres of land and feature extensive recreational options, from hiking trails to camping areas.
