Calaveras Trail

Overview

Calaveras Trail starts close to the popular boat launch parking area, and ends close to the parking area at the dam. Thus, it is easily accessible from either end. From the boat launch parking area, take Ohlone Trail to Valley Oak Trail. Go right onto Valley Oak Trail, which ends about 50 yards from where Calaveras Trail starts along Coyote Ridge Trail. The total distance from the boat launch parking area to Calaveras Trail is 0.35 miles.<br><br>From its starting point on Coyote Ridge Trail, Calaveras Trail crosses a grassy meadow where the Valley Oak Trail junction is found. Coyote Lake can be seen below. Passing Valley Oak Trail, Calaveras Trail enters thin, grassy oak woods as it travels north.<br><br>Calaveras Trail runs along the gently sloping east side of Coyote Ridge, about halfway up the ridge, for the entire length of the trail. It is a fairly flat trail, going through alternating sections of thin woods and open meadows. Coyote Lake can be seen below through breaks in the trees. In the spring, there is an abundance of wildflowers of many varieties. Some meadows and hillsides are carpeted with them, especially on the northern half of the trail\u2014it's quite a display!<br><br>After 2.4 miles, Calaveras Trail ends at Harvey Bear Trail, 0.2 miles from the parking area at the dam.

Trail Stats

Photos

Coyote Lake and surrounding hills - Palassou Ridge on the left, and Mummy Mountain on the right, seen from the high point of Calaveras Trail.

Coyote Lake and surrounding hills - Palassou Ridge on the left, and Mummy Mountain on the right, seen from the high point of Calaveras Trail.

Coyote Lake can be seen across a meadow along Calaveras Trail.

Coyote Lake can be seen across a meadow along Calaveras Trail.

The "Locals"—deer can be found along Harvey Bear Trail.

The "Locals"—deer can be found along Harvey Bear Trail.

A small meadow covered with California buttercups, along Calaveras Trail. Palassou Ridge across Coyote Lake is peeking out on the right.

A small meadow covered with California buttercups, along Calaveras Trail. Palassou Ridge across Coyote Lake is peeking out on the right.

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