Happy trails afoot for hike near Los Banos
The season draws near for hiking Path of the Padres outside Los Banos, and park officials are taking reservations.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation staff at San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area is preparing Saturday and Sunday hikes for the public from Feb. 27 to April 13.
To make the trek, hikers need to reserve a spot.
“They would definitely need to sign up in advance,” Amber Cantisano, who works for the department, said. “We request that they do it at least a week out.”
The hike is along the path through the Diablo Range taken by padres as they came from Mission San Juan Bautista 35 miles along Los Banos Creek and into the Central Valley in the early 1800s.
They would definitely need to sign up in advance. We request that they do it at least a week out.
Amber Cantisano
specialist with the state Department of Parks and RecreationThe path also passes the former home of Yokuts, the region’s original inhabitants. Later came Spanish missionaries, miners and ranchers. Along with wildflowers, hikers sometimes see wild pigs, deer, coyotes, pond turtles or bald eagles.
The hike begins at the Los Banos Creek Reservoir boat launch ramp at 8 a.m. and lasts about five hours. The trail is only accessible by boat, a fact that appeals to avid hikers, officials said.
This hike is moderately strenuous, officials said, because of the occasional incline or rocky trail.
Participants should be in good physical condition, according to a news release. Layered clothing and sturdy footgear should be a priority, as the shoes may get wet crossing Los Banos Creek. Hikers should carry a lunch and a minimum of 2 quarts of water. A hat and sunscreen are recommended.
Trekkers can also take a side trip to view Menjoulet Canyon, covered with 576 acres of old-growth Sycamore forest described by Department of Fish and Game biologists as the largest and most intact natural community of its kind left in California.
Hikes are open to the public, ages 6 and older, on Saturdays and Sundays by advance reservation only. School group hikes may be arranged Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
If you go
To make a reservation for Path of the Padres, call the San Luis Reservoir office at 209-826-1197 on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The hike is $20 per person, open to anyone 6 or older. Each tour requires at least 10 hikers.
This story was originally published January 31, 2016 at 4:07 PM with the headline "Happy trails afoot for hike near Los Banos."