Pacheco

https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=560 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacheco_State_Park Pacheco State Park is to the south of Pacheco Pass in the Diablo Range, located mostly in western Merced County, California but extending into southeastern Santa Clara County and near Hollister in San Benito County. The park entrance is on Dinosaur Point Road, a short distance from California State Route 152 near Pacheco Pass. The eastern two-thirds of the park are closed due to an underdeveloped trail system and safety concerns over the numerous wind turbines in the area.

Our Mission Pacheco State Park The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Pacheco’s many ponds and streams provide tranquil spots to rest, water horses, or California State Parks supports equal access. Prior to arrival, visitors with disabilities who need assistance should contact the park at (209) 826-6283 or (209) 826-1197. If you need this publication in an alternate format, contact interp@parks.ca.gov. CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS P.O. Box 942896 Sacramento, CA 94296-0001 For information call: (800) 777-0369 (916) 653-6995, outside the U.S. 711, TTY relay service www.parks.ca.gov Discover the many states of California.™ Pacheco State Park 38787 Dinosaur Point Road Hollister, CA 95023 (209) 826-6283 www.parks.ca.gov/pacheco © 2008 California State Parks (Rev. 2015) enjoy a picnic. E xplosions of colorful wildflowers, incredible vistas from rolling hills, secluded meadows — these are all part of vibrant Pacheco State Park. The remainder of a Mexican land grant, this 6,890-acre state park is rich with wildlife and historic features. The Pacheco area is semiarid. Summer temperatures range from 80 to 100 degrees while winter brings a brisker 30 to 55 degrees. Evenings are cool all year due to coastal air currents moving across Pacheco Pass. PARK HISTORY Native People Archaeological and ethnographic evidence indicates that Pacheco Pass was a borderland primarily inhabited by the Northern Valley Yokuts tribe and the Mutsun branch of Coastal Ohlone. Small, seasonal camps and larger villages, with immense circular structures where extended family resided, were common. The native people experienced large population losses as a result of Spanish and Mexican incursions, European and Canadian fur trappers, and American gold prospectors and settlers. Today, small numbers of Yokuts and Ohlone people still live in California and honor their ancient roots. Highway 152 along the park traces an old native trail running from the Central Valley to the coast. The Pacheco Land Pacheco Pass is strategically located at the edge of the Diablo Range, providing a vital Pass toll road, engineered by Andrew Firebaugh in 1856. The Pacheco family continued to flourish, increasing their land holdings until they were among the wealthiest landowners in California. Pacheco descendants maintained title to this property for five generations. This park exists as the dream of Paula Fatjo, an Arabian horse breeder and a Pacheco adobe, built in 1844 fifth-generation Pacheco descendant. After inheriting the land, Fatjo wanted her ranch transportation link between the Pacific coast to be safeguarded for those who shared her and California’s San Joaquin Valley. love for its history, solitude, and beauty. In 1806 Gabriel Moraga and Father Pedro Paula restored the Pacheco adobe, living Muñoz traversed the pass during the first there until much of the acreage was taken by documented European expedition. They eminent domain for the construction of San camped at a former Yokuts village site. Luis Reservoir. The adobe did not survive its Soldier and wagon maker Francisco Perez attempted move intact; ruins are near Ranch Pacheco came to California from Mexico in Headquarters. In 1992, Fatjo deeded the last 1820. The Mexican governor granted a 48,0006,890 acres of her ranch to the State. acre parcel, El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga, to Francisco Pacheco in 1843. NATURAL RESOURCES The following year, his son Juan Perez Natural Features Pacheco built an adobe outpost on the site of Pacheco State Park is famed for its sweeping today’s San Luis Reservoir, near the location panoramas of mostly undeveloped where Moraga and Muñoz had camped nearly grasslands and oak woodlands. Its location 40 years earlier. The adobe atop the Diablo Mountain Range provides subsequently served as a impressive vistas in all directions. The 1,927stagecoach stop, telegraph foot Spikes Peak offers a 360-degree view station, gambling hall, and even of San Luis Reservoir, the Central Valley, a gas station and roadside and the Coast Mountain Range. Grasslands, cafe for travelers. woodlands, ponds, and natural springs Many roads have provide seasonal changes. Summer and since been built autumn grasses turn gold, while spring rains through the tranquil bring bursts of wildflower colors. Frequent hills, including the strong winds have sculpted the blue, valley, original Pacheco and live oaks into striking windswept forms. Francisco Pacheco Plants and Animals The park’s native perennial grasses include one-sided bluegrass, purple needlegrass, and wild rye grasses. Carpeting the hills in spring are such wildflowers as butter-n-eggs, yellow violets, shooting star, popcorn flower, larkspur, and California poppy. A variety of

TRAIL MILEAGE: Dinosaur Lake…..……………………...……1.7 via Dinosaur Lake Trail Up & Over Trail…..……………...…………..1.8 via Spikes Peak Trail PACHECO STATE PARK 38787 Dinosaur Point Road Hollister, CA 95023 Spikes Peak ……………………...…….……2.5 via Spikes Peak Trail Phone 209 826 6283 Fax 209 827 3704 South Boundary Loop Bottom………...……3.3 via Spikes Peak Trail Salt Creek…..…………………………..……3.4 via Dinosaur Lake Trail Park hours 8:00 AM to Sunset Usage Fee $5.00 per vehicle Seniors 62 & older $4.00 Bear Hide Lake …..…………………………4.1 via Spikes Peak Trail Horse Camp $10.00 per vehicle (By reservation only) Nun Lake …..………..………………...….…4.1 via Spikes Peak to Shadow Spring Ridge to Nun Lake Trail Special Events: Available by reservation only for day and overnight use Contact Pacheco State Park Ranger Office (209 826 6283) LOOP TRAILS (return to Day Use area) Spikes Peak to Tunnel Monument to Pig Pond Trail…..………..……...………3.7 Gate Rule: If the gate is closed when you find it close it. If the gate is open when you find it leave it open. Spikes Peak to Up & Over to Canyon Loop West to Pig Pond Trail……4.5 Dog Rule: No dogs in the back country. Dinosaur Lake to Pig Pond Trail……….…5.5 . Safety Rule: Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and a lot of drinking water, especially in the summer months. Dinosaur Lake to Canyon Loop to South Boundary Loop to Spikes Peak Trail……………………………….…...…….9.8