Any elevation above 2000’ woke up to snow the morning of our hike to Table Mountain in Jamestown. Though he had to dig out at home, Ranger Mike McGraw and two other Bureau of Reclamation rangers met us at the Shell Road trailhead. As 15 hikers gathered in the cold sun, it was apparent we’d lucked into a lengthy break in the late winter storm.
With an inspirational quote from “Zen and the Art of
Motorcycle Maintenance” author Robert Prisig, Ranger Mike, in his calm yet
enthusiastic way, set the tone of deliberate inquiry and delightful
discovery. Our hike took us through four
distinct ecosystems: savannah,
chaparral, oak woodland, and vernal pools. On the way we learned of the introduction of
invasive grass species and their impact on the native plants (sapping deep
water reserves, encouraging erosion). We
touched on geology including the ancient sea that had its shores near Oakdale
and the lava flow originating up near Sonora Pass that filled the Stanislaus
River and ultimately created the nearly 60-mile-long “inverted river bed” that
is Table Mountain. We discussed the
prehistoric climate of the area, the mega flora and fauna that once existed and
plants and animals that live here now including the largest bat in North
America, the western mastiff bat.
Scrambling up the steep side as we pushed toward the summit,
we passed a seasonal cascade. The broad
table-top of the mountain was practically one continuous vernal pool filled to
overflowing with fresh, cold water from the overnight storm. Any invertebrates in the pools hadn’t brewed
yet or they’d washed away! What we
missed on the micro-scale we made up for on the macro: clear, expansive views
to snow-covered Duckwall Mountain, the peaks further off in Yosemite, and New
Melones Lake.
The main Table Mountain trailhead is at the end of Shell Rd.
in Jamestown (off of Rawhide Rd.). The
road dead ends at a closed (though not locked) gate. The road is narrow; park as far off to the
side as possible. To the right of the
gate across the road is a person-sized gate where the trail begins. This section of trail is a pleasant stroll
through savannah and roughly parallels the road. (If you have a high-clearance vehicle, you
can open the gate at the trailhead and drive to the next gate, shortening the
hike by about a mile and missing the lovely oak grassland). The trail takes you directly to a pit toilet;
turn left, go through a gate, cross the road, go through another gate then
continue uphill through the chaparral.
There’s signage, but it’s on the “discreet” side; you may have to use
your “trail sense.” Keep left on the way
up the switchbacks. You’ll have a short
scramble over a rocky patch just before the final push to the top. Then your reward: The table top of Table Mountain, always with
views and in the spring a bonus of wildflowers and vernal pools.
Table Mountain is a moderate, low-elevation hike that’s
accessible year-round. It’s only a
3-mile round trip and makes a nice “quickie” outing if you’re strapped for
time. You may extend your hike via
trails that link Table Mountain with the Peoria area or by heading down to the
lake via a spur off the main approach trail.
From the parking area to the mountain-top, there is private property all
around. Please respect the neighborhood
and boundaries. There are no services
other than the pit toilet; bring water!
Here's a map of the Table Mountain trail:
Here's a map of all the trails at New Melones Lake:
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