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Dos Rios State Park expands access with new trails, summer events
Dos Rios
The additional trails that opened Friday at Dos Rios feature riverfront views, shaded forest paths and access to secluded beaches.

MODESTO — Nearly a year after its grand opening, California’s newest state park, Dos Rios, is expanding public access with five additional trails, offering visitors more opportunities to explore its scenic landscapes and rich ecological habitats.

Located eight miles west of Modesto, the park has welcomed nearly 10,000 visitors since June 2024, and the latest expansion aims to enhance outdoor recreation as the peak summer season approaches. Starting Friday, June 6, the new trails will be open from Friday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., bringing the total trail length to over 16 miles. The additions feature riverfront views, shaded forest paths and access to secluded beaches, making Dos Rios a prime destination for hiking, fishing and wildlife observation.

Among the new trails, the San Joaquin River Loop Trail offers a 2.2-mile path along the banks of the river with swimming access at Oak Beach. The Upper and Lower Tuolumne River trails connect with the existing Pond Loop Trail, giving visitors a scenic walk along the clear waters of the Tuolumne River and access to Secret Beach for fishing and Willow Beach for swimming. Quail Trail, a 3.6-mile out-and-back route, winds through a forest floodplain with views of the Diablo Mountains, while Beaver Bend Trail, a 1.4-mile shaded path, provides glimpses into the riparian habitat where beavers are active.

Fishing is permitted in designated areas of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers, in accordance with state licensing requirements. No services are available along the trails, and visitors are encouraged to bring adequate food and water.

Dos Rios will host several events during the fourth annual California State Parks Week, June 11–15. These include an exclusive kayak trip on Oxbow Pond on June 11, co-hosted by California State Parks and the Tuolumne River Trust, a Latino Heritage and Culture celebration on June 14 featuring live music and artisan exhibits, and a Floodplain Fun Walk/Run on June 15, which will offer special three- and five-mile routes to promote outdoor activity.

The park continues to expand recreational access, with future plans for camping, boating and hiking opportunities. Public forums will invite community participation to guide future developments.

Dos Rios is California’s largest public-private floodplain restoration project, restoring habitat for endangered wildlife at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers. It is open Friday to Sunday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on select holidays. More information is available at parks.ca.gov/DosRios or plandosrios.org.