I'm always looking for new spots to go hiking, and especially for places with big views. For those of you who either live in Calaveras County, Tuolumne County, or plan to visit the area soon, I have some tips, suggestions, and comments for how to make your hiking experience as fun as possible. This post is about the trail off Parrots Ferry Road known as the Mineshaft Trail.
I've been wanting to do this hike for some time now, but until this past weekend the stars had not aligned for me. However, on this clear January Sunday, the conditions were perfect: the sun was out, the air was crisp, a cool breeze came up occasionally, and wispy clouds made for a beautiful backdrop.
New Melones is a reservoir about 30 minutes away from our house in Arnold, a place that we’ve visited on numerous occasions with boat and wake boards and have driven past on our way to Sonora, but as far as hiking went, my experience before today was limited to seeing ant-like figures stepping up the narrow, winding trail.
I parked at the small lot near the bridge that crosses the reservoir, leashed up the pups, grabbed my camera, and started making my way up the ridge. There were several options for directions to go and trails to take as I began (I guessed and later confirmed that one of these trails was a continuation of the loop I started), but despite my improper attire (jeans, Vans, and a black hoodie which I almost immediately took off and tied around my waist) I decided to take the trail that led straight up. I wanted some views, and today was the day to make it happen.
The path up is not terribly technical or difficult, but due to the steepness is guaranteed to get your heart rate up. While it wasn’t a hot day, probably only about 60 degrees Fahrenheit, we had to stop several times on the way up the mountain to let the short-legged corgi find a spot of shade and catch his breath. Meanwhile, Tesla ran laps around us, joyful in the freedom of climbing up rocks and running through grasses.
The last leg of the trail before the top was the steepest, and at times I had to lift the Corgi to help him over some rocks and big steps.
The payoff at the top was worth it
I had incorrectly guessed that the completion of the climb would lead me to a rocky precipice; more of a point than a plateau. But I was wrong. Steep cliffs did drop off on the sides, and the dogs did their best to make me a nervous mama by stepping out onto a rock that jutted away from the path and then dropped steeply off to the next layer of rocks about 25 feet down.
Once I coaxed them away from the ledge, we took another path which lead us to what turned out to be a plateau, not a precipice, covered with grass and a few shedded-out oak trees. It had rained a few days before, leaving some puddles in which the dogs enjoyed a refreshing drink and dip. (Note: if you’re doing this hike in the summer time, do NOT plan on there being pools present for the dogs to drink out of. Bring your own water source for them).
After hiking up the steep hill (albeit with great views the whole way), it was so nice to just enjoy being at the top. A cool breeze floated by enough to cool the sweat that had built on the climb up, but the sun kept me from getting chilled. Fresh blades of baby grass shone bright green at the base of the longer gray gold dead grass, making the footpaths look like green carpeting among fields of last season’s growth. I could only imagine what this place would look like in the spring, and made a mental note to visit again when the green grass would take over the dull yellow and the oak leaves would sprout upon the branches of the trees once more.
What thrills me most in moments like this is a feeling not only of accomplishment for topping a peak (however big or small it may be), but also the feeling of peace, quiet, and solitude in which I can pause my journey and appreciate the innate, natural beauty of the place I’m in. There wasn’t a single other human on the whole plateau; I had only passed one other group of people as I neared the top who only slowed down enough to smile, say hello, and congratulate sweet Enzo on his durability and athleticism despite his short legs. For those moments at the top, it was just me, the dogs, the sound of the wind through the grass, and the occasional movement of crows and buzzards floating on the thermals and momentarily alighting on the bare trees.
I could have stayed up there for much longer than I did, and as it was I stayed longer than I should have and had to rush back down the mountain to meet up with Jeff for an early dinner. But even though our descent was hastier than ideal, there was a moment when a turkey vulture flew in front of us at just about eye level, and I got to snap a few photos before he floated off.
Overall, I would say our hike was a great success, but there are a few things I would do differently next time:
Bring Water: even if just for the dogs. There might not always be pools at the top for the dogs to drink out of.
Leave Enough Time To Do The Whole Loop. Apparently one of the trails I saw at the beginning was a continuation of the trail I made an out-and-back. Next time I’d like to see the whole loop.
Wear Appropriate Clothing. So this hike was a touch more strenuous than originally anticipated, so next time I will be wearing running shoes, workout pants, and a more breathable top. A hat might also be a good idea.
Try the Hike at Sunrise or Sunset. It was a cool January day this time around, and even then the direct sun and exposure for the majority of the hike became a bit intense. Not only for cool cloud colors and great photo opportunities, but coming at a time of day when the sun is lower in the sky would be well worth a try if you:
Try the Hike in Different Seasons: There isn’t much shade on the trek up the hill, so it could get toasty on a warmer day. However, my guess is that Springtime would be an EPIC time of year to re-visit this hike, as the grass would be green and the leaves on the trees would be coming in. Summer would be beautiful as well, but an early morning or late evening time frame might be necessary to avoid intense sun and heat.
If you enjoyed reading this post, be sure to stay tuned for my upcoming post on Snowshoeing at Lake Alpine! And check out pictures of other beautiful places I’ve visited in the Landscapes page of my Gallery.