May 25, 2012 - Blue Oak Trail

Trail head: South Bay Picnic area, Millerton

Hike Info:

Trail: Blue Oak Trail, also called the South Bay Trail

Destination: Winchell Cove

Distance: 3.5 Miles

Travel Time: 2:08

Moving Time: 1:22

Moving MPH: 2.5

Elevation Rise: 188'

Maximum Elevation: 638'

Description:
When I think of the Millerton Lake and Friant Dam area, I imagine a hot dry area with this man-made lake in the middle. Definitely do not think of excitement, coolness and enjoyment. But that is exactly with we got on this trail. The coolness was fortunate, since Fresno temperatures was exceeding 90 degrees a few days earlier and this trail and area can be like an oven on a hot day.

We knew this was going to be a special day from the first few steps on the trail. A small eagle, yes I did say an eagle, swooped down and landed 10 yards in front of us. He stayed there, or close by for a good 25 minutes before flying away. Excitement!

But that was not all. With a front coming through the area, the weather was cooler than we had any right to expect. But also, the front brought in some soaring clouds to march past our trail. This make for a constantly changing view. The lake turned from mundane to magnificent. Instead of hot and dry, it was cool, breezy and comfortable.

Our walk continued along the south shore of Millerton, After about 45 minutes of leisurely walking, we made it to Winchell Cove. The boats were all set for the Memorial Day weekend. While we could go about a quarter mile further on the other side of the boat launch area, we decided, just to turn around and go back the way we came.

Over all, the trail is easy walking, on a hard beaten clay. The grasses give you wide berth and the trail is about as level as you can get—Looking at the trial profile, I have seen more activity on seismographs. Oaks give visual entertainment. This is definitely a Fall, Winter, Spring hike rather than a Summer hike—unless you hit it on a day like today.