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San Joaquin River Gorge

4.6 (27 reviews)

San Joaquin River Gorge Photos

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I want to frame this in my house.
Swathi S.

This place is beautiful! Pretty wild flowers and river view during the spring. Always looking to take my dog on hiking trails where there is not too many people. Came here for her first hike and she totally loved it! Didn't know this place was so close to Clovis. You can hike up the hills on the other side of the river by crossing the bridge. There was friendly staff there to help since we trouble finding the trail leading to the river. My only advice is that I've been warned not to come here during rainy season because the river level will rise and there are PG& E wires dangling above the dam which might be a hazard in the rainy weather.

1.28.17
Cecelia E.

This area is run by the the Bureau of Land Management and is located off of Auberry Rd and Smiley Road near Prather/ Auberry. On a recent late January day in 2017, the weather was in the low 60s and the grass was green. Because of weeks of rain and snow, the streams tumbling into the San Joaquin River were like waterfalls. Certain areas of the San Joaquin River Gorge Trail were very wet but passable. The 2.2 mile roundtrip hike (San Joaquin River Gorge Trail) was very easy although you do have to do a bit of light climbing as you head back to the paved parking lot. The fee is $5 for day use but if you have a national parks pass, there is no fee. I recommend this site if you want to hike any of the trails. You may download the trail on your phone so that you know where you are at as you hike and you do not get on the wrong trail. I recommend this site: http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-joaquin-river-gorge-trail

shawn a.

Had a great time today! Spring is a great time to come here. The wild flowers were amazing, the bridge was cool, and the water was freezing- fun day hike!

Yoko C.

My new trail running spot. How have I deprived myself of such a beautiful trail? I've seen this place in pictures but pictures don't do it justice. This is why I fall in love with the Central Valley a little more each day, because of how close I am to nature.

Get to go on the bridge on this hike.
Jag S.

This is a beautiful Hike. It is only 45 minutes from Fresno and you get to go on the bridge. There are three trail on the hike: Bridge Trail, Pasan Trail, and Wuh-Kio Trail. You have to take the Bridge Trail to get to the other two. Bridge Trail gets you to the bridge and then you either choose the Pasan Trail or Wuh-Kio trail. Pasan Trail is a loop and a bit strenuous. Wuh-Kio trail is shorter and easier. Pasan Trail has gorgeous views. The Bridge Trail and Pasan Trail loop together makes a 7.6 mile hike. Full video of my experience on this hike is on YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ro7vz5Al5Q

Tamar K.

Great hiking trails and views. Trails range from easy, moderate-strenuous, or strenuous and are a few miles or longer depending on what you are up for that day! Heading across the river you cross a large bridge and there are nice views of the river. You can even take a path to get closer to the river itself. Lots of shady areas thanks to the mature trees and restrooms at the trailhead are maintained. Overall, a nice area for a day hike!

MikeDelia F.

Had a great time hiking today great views great people weather was perfect dogs had a blast,we did the hike to the bridge and the loop great views all around

The water is coming through swiftly. Beautiful and inviting, but be careful!
Me G.

About a 45-minute drive from Fresno. The hike to the bridge is about 40 minutes, round trip, and there are trails beyond that. I went in early Spring several times. It's beautiful! Not too strenuous of a hike. Lots of gorgeous wild flowers were blooming. The first time I hiked there, I ran into a snake! So, good shoes and socks are recommended.

San Joaquin River Gorge approaching the bridge
Leanne M.

Excellent hiking trail with great spring wildflowers. Saw poppies, owls clover, shooting stars, many others as I walked this trail. It is a bit steep in places but not bad. $5 day use begins after the water is hooked up in the spring; there is no fee during the months with no water at the facilities. Gorgeous views and lovely vista points.

Nice little hiking spot close to home. Dog friendly as long as your dog is on leash, which is great! Be careful though. There are signs saying that there are rattle snakes. Luckily we didn't see any, but maybe it'd be best to go when it's colder. The bridge is not too far from the first parking lot. I think it took us about 2-3 miles. It was a little difficult to find as the trails from the parking lot are not easy to find. The bridge is not super spectacular but it's just a nice little place to get away. I'd say that the Spring months are best! We went in March & the green is so beautiful! I believe I heard from other people that the whole hike is about a 9 mile loop. I'd definitely go back again!

On top of the bridge.

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5 years ago

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2 years ago

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10 years ago

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7 years ago

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9 years ago

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6 years ago

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9 years ago

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9 years ago

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9 years ago

Really beautiful and easy hike! Getting to the bridge is easy, coming back is a little hilly. Great hike overall! Would recommen

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8 years ago

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6 years ago

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7 years ago

Great place for a hike! Please drive carefully there's cow roaming in the area sometimes.

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9 years ago

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6 years ago

Beautiful hike. Wildflowers, water, cool bridge. Not too difficult. Excellent loop.

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6 years ago

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9 years ago

This is a great hike. We did the ~7 mile loop which had some spectacular views. It's less than an hour from Fresno and highly recommended.

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

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9 years ago

Great family hike! Take the dogs too! Beautiful spring flowers! Be sure you take $5 for parking. Worth your time!

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Ask the Community - San Joaquin River Gorge

Is there a charge?

It's $5 per day, in peak season. In off season (when water to facilities is turned off) it is free.

Can we carry our CCW (weapons permit) at this park?

No clue. But my understanding is that if it's federal, likely, no

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Review Highlights - San Joaquin River Gorge

This is truly a wonderful trail located about an hour from Fresno and I feel lucky to have this here.

Mentioned in 6 reviews

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