New Melones Lake, Reservoir in Sierra Nevada foothills, California, US
Description
New Melones Lake is a reservoir in the California Sierra Nevada foothills, covering roughly 50 square kilometers of water surface between Sonora and Angels Camp along Highway 49. The winding shoreline measures over 160 kilometers and is bordered by dry hills and scattered oaks.
History
The dam was completed in the late 1970s and submerged the old mining settlement of Melones, which had grown during the California Gold Rush. This dam replaced an earlier, smaller facility built in 1926.
Culture
The name Melones comes from the Gold Rush era, when miners discovered large gold nuggets that resembled melons. Today, families and anglers use the shoreline for picnicking, while boats cross the water.
Practical
Two recreation areas offer over three hundred campsites with fire rings, picnic tables, and shared water taps. You can reach the entry points from Highway 49 or narrow side roads that branch off the main route.
Did you know?
The Archie Stevenot Bridge, completed in 1976, spans the lake and connects Calaveras County with Tuolumne County via Highway 49. When water levels drop, foundations of old Gold Rush-era bridges sometimes reappear.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (California).
Moaning Cavern
9.2 km
Railtown 1897 State Historic Park
10.5 km
Murphys Hotel
16.1 km
Lake Tulloch
12.8 km
New Hogan Lake
30.6 km
Mercer Caverns
17.4 km
California Caverns
22.7 km
Angels Hotel
8.1 km
Knight's Ferry Bridge
23.6 kmLyons Dam
32.8 km
Salt Spring Valley Reservoir
20.6 km
Hotel Charlotte (Groveland, California)
31.2 km
Track Bus No. 19
10.6 km
Altaville Grammar School
10 km
Thorn House
25.8 km
Calaveras County Courthouse
26 km
Archie Stevenot Bridge
1.9 km
John J. Snyder House
26.3 km
Douglas Flat School
14.4 km
Sam Choy Brick Store
8 km
Copperopolis Congregational Church
10.5 km
Utica Mansion
8.2 km
Abraham Schell House
24.1 km
Murphys Grammar School
16.2 km
Groveland Hotel
31.3 km
Calaveras County Bank
8 km
Gamble Building and Miner's Bean Kettle
30.3 km
Jacksonville Road Bridge
23.7 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes