San Joaquin River Gorge Near Auberry: BLM Visitor Center Hours, Trails and Camping Fees

AUBERRY, Fresno County. Visitors planning to explore the federally managed San Joaquin River Gorge can start at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Visitor Center, near Auberry at 40060 Smalley Road. The agency’s official visitor page lists the center as open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.. Hours and road access can change, so confirm before a long trip.

What can visitors learn?

The BLM describes exhibits on the gorge’s plants, animals and human history, outdoor classrooms and native plant gardens. Educational displays include the region’s Indigenous cultures. The agency also offers group programs by arrangement; that is not a confirmation that a public event is scheduled on any particular day.

Trails, horses and bicycles

The recreation area includes multi-use routes for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians, with motorized vehicles prohibited on the trails. The BLM trail guide lists a two-mile round trip from the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking area to the footbridge. The bridge route is downhill on the way out and uphill on the return. Other routes are longer, exposed and potentially demanding; carry water and do not assume cellphone coverage.

Fees and camping

The agency lists a $5 per-vehicle day-use fee, a $25 annual pass and overnight campsite rates of $10 for individual sites or $15 for double sites. Equestrian sites are listed at $25 and larger group facilities require reservations. Campfires need proper permits and must follow the current fire restrictions; a designated fire ring does not make a fire automatically legal.

Access and practical contacts

The BLM says the gorge lies approximately five miles northwest of Auberry and lists (661) 391-6000 as a field-office contact. The agency’s campground detail page documents accessibility limitations and notes that some campground and trail surfaces are uneven, even when parking and facilities include accessible features.

Sources: BLM San Joaquin River Gorge Visitor Center, Special Recreation Management Area, and Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh Campground. This is a visitor guide, not an announcement that the area was newly opened today or that every trail is free of hazards.

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