Californians love getting outside. And why wouldn’t we? Our state is home to many parks, wildlife refuges, and lakes. And there’s about to be something new to explore. There are 279 state parks in California, and we’ll get one more this year. For the first time in 13 years, the state of California is adding a new park.

The park will be called Dos Rios Ranch State Park. The lush green space is located in Modesto and has the Tuolumne River running through it.
Lily Rothrock/Google Images
The land was donated by River Partners, a conservation group that has spent years restoring the ranch.
Technically the park is in Modesto, but on a map it is between Tracy, Modesto, and Turlock.
Lily Rothrock/Google Images
The park is nearly 4 square miles and is dotted with valley oaks and willow trees. Park visitors can hike the miles of trails along the San Joaquin and Tuolumne rivers.
The park will be located next to the San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, which is managed by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge/Google Images
In this photo of the neighboring wildlife refuge you can see the stunning valley sunset.

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The park is expected to open sometime in 2023.
4239 Shiloh Road Google Street View/ Google Maps
There are not many parks in San Joaquin Valley compared to other areas of the state, so this is a welcome addition.
California has the largest state parks system in the United States.
Lily Rothrock/Google Images
With the addition of this park, there will be a total of 280 state parks. California Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed allocating $5 million to buy the land but fortunately it was donated. The funds will go toward developing the land instead.
The last time the California parks system added a park was in 2009.
Marisa Kuyava/Google Images
Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Monterey has 4 miles of beach, trails, and educational panels where visitors can learn about the natural and cultural history of the park.

California’s state parks system was conceived in 1862, not long after the Gold Rush caused a boom in the state’s population. With new cities and towns, more people were eager to explore the state. In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln granted Yosemite Valley and Mariposa Big Tree Grove to the state of California. But in 1890, the land was given back to the federal government and made a National Park. In 1901 Big Basin State Redwood Park became the first California state park. Since that time, Californians have made a big effort to preserve land and encourage people to visit state parks.

What is your favorite Northern California state park?

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Dos Rios Ranch State Park (proposed), 3599 Shiloh Rd, Modesto, CA 95358, USA