Melones Reservoir

About Melones Reservoir

The US Army Corps of Engineers built the new Melons Dam and power plant in the 1930s as part of the California State Water Resources Control Board (CSRB) project. In 1979, the Corps transferred the management of the New Melonees project to the US Reconstruction Department. NewMelones Lake is located at 5,000 meters above sea level and is the fourth largest reservoir in California in terms of volume. It is located in San Bernardino County, California, about 30 miles south of San Francisco.

The new Melonensee makes the lake a popular playground by the water and is dedicated to the Open Heritage Day and Labour Day. A trip to Lake Melones starts with a stop at the visitor centre and museum.

The area around the lake is literally peppered with archaeological and cultural sites, so a stop at the visitor center will help you narrow down the places you want to see. The informative tidbits are interesting and sometimes surprising, especially when you learn that this region has been inhabited for over 9,000 years.

Fishing at New Melones Lake is a pleasure for the most experienced angler, and there are a handful of marinas that can rent boats. The cool, clean water is just as good for fishing as any other lake in California, but with the space the lake offers, you will feel like you have found your own piece of paradise.

Bring a boat or rent one at your local marina, but always make sure you have a valid California fishing license. Bring your boat and go out on the water to enjoy what awaits you at your next meal.

Nature lovers will find plenty to enjoy on the hiking and cycling trails around the reservoir. The trails stretch from a challenging, 4 km long, steep hilly terrain, which offers a breathtaking view of the lake and its surroundings. Most accessible trails are located in the park, although there are several others scattered throughout the park. A map of the surrounding trails is available at the Visitor Centre, as well as a list of all the trails in the area.

For boating enthusiasts, New Melones Lake offers a range of boat rentals, as well as a variety of kayak rentals and boat shows.
The new Melones Lake offers several possibilities for houseboating, and if you really love the feeling of the water and the sound of your engine, you can rent a houseboat. You will live in your own portable home and explore the lake from within, but you will also have the sunrise on your back, sleeping on the lap of a waterboat, with your only alarm clock being a unique option that offers you unique pleasures. The best way to see this large and beautiful lake without a boat is to see the calm water reflected in the trees, explore the bays and quiet corners of this lake or to see the diverse wildlife that makes this reservoir their home.

Take a wild rubber dinghy ride, float on your back and enjoy the air conditioning and nature around you, watch the clouds pass by and pump up your excitement. Dive into the back of a boat and dive back in, or swim and watch the cloud pass by or absorb the ferocity of the water.

More experienced water lovers can go water skiing or knee-sleigh, but if you are there on a warm summer day, you will find that there are some very good water sports companies. New Melones Lake is a great place to relax on the lakeside, soak up the sun and hike up the mountains for spectacular views of the lake. We know we have found a really nice quiet holiday destination.