Great Valley Grasslands State Park - map and other informations

Great Valley Grasslands State Park is a beautiful and unique parkland located in Merced County, California. The park was established in 1982 to protect and preserve the beautiful and unique ecosystem of the Great Central Valley grasslands.

The park spans over 17,000 acres and is comprised of gently sloping foothills, oak woodlands, and rolling grasslands. It is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including many rare and endangered species such as the San Joaquin kit fox, the giant kangaroo rat, and the blunt-nosed leopard lizard.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a wide range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, wildlife viewing, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, and picnicking. The park has several well-maintained hiking trails, including the easy 1.5-mile Fox Mountain Trail and the more challenging 13-mile North Grasslands Loop Trail.

For those who are interested in wildlife viewing and bird watching, the park offers some of the best opportunities in the region. The park is home to over 100 species of birds, including the beautiful and elusive Swainson's hawk, which can often be seen soaring high above the grasslands.

The park also features several excellent fishing spots, including the expansive and scenic San Luis Reservoir. The reservoir is home to a variety of fish species, including bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill, and is a popular spot for both recreational and competitive fishing.

In addition to its natural attractions, Great Valley Grasslands State Park also has several historic and cultural sites that are worth exploring. One of the park's most notable features is the remains of the old Miller-Lux ranch, which was once one of the largest cattle ranches in the region.

Overall, Great Valley Grasslands State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors and wants to experience the unique beauty of California's Central Valley grasslands. Whether you're interested in hiking, wildlife viewing, or simply soaking up the tranquility of nature, this park has something for everyone. So why not plan your visit today and discover all that this beautiful park has to offer?