Ya-Gub-Weh-tuh Campground | California
Overview
Gorgeous views of the Table Mountains surround this campsite and trailhead. Camping is available on a first come-first serve basis, reservations are not accepted for this campground of six campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilet (a maximum of 8 people per site; double sites are also available). Campsites are accessible and reached via a primitive hardened path, located close to the paved parking area. Drinking water and garbage receptacles are available at this campground (electricity is not).
Fee Schedule
- Day Use (per vehicle)………..$5
- Annual Pass…………………..$25
- Individual Campsite…………..$10
- Double Campsite (2 tables)….$15
- Equestrian Campsite…………$25
- Group Campground*…………$175
- Nuckahee Learning Center*…$300
- Interpretive Programs………..$10
*The Group Campground and Nuckahee Learning Center require reservations. Please contact the Bakersfield Field Office for more information.
Trails of the Gorge
The Dumna and Kechayi Native Americans once called the Gorge home and are still active in the area, practicing their cultural traditions which include ceremonies on site. It is from their language that we derive the names of the trails contained within the Management Area. All trails are multi-use, shared by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian users. Motorized use on trails is prohibited.
- Foot Bridge Trail
- Distance: 1 Mile to Foot Bridge
- Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 2 Miles
The Foot Bridge is one of the most sought-after sites here at the San Joaquin River Gorge. Please remember while the slope is gradual downhill to the Bridge, it is up-hill on the way back. Be sure to plan accordingly and bring plenty of water!
- Pa'san Ridge Trail
- Distance: 6 mile loop (begins across the Foot Bridge)
- Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 8 Miles
The Pa'san (pine nut) Ridge Trail is a six-mile loop trail. This trail takes one into the chaparral clothed uplands where they will encounter mountain lilac (ceanothus), manzanita, mountain mahogany, and many other shrubs and wildflowers.
- Wuh-ki'o Trail
- Distance: 4 miles
- Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 11 Miles
The Wuh-ki'o (Dumna/Kechayi word for San Joaquin River) Trail starts from the west side of the loop on the Pa'san Ridge Trail. About four miles long, it connects with Millerton Lake State Recreation Area on the Madera County side of the reservoir. The trail follows along the river and leads the traveler through oak woodlands with their mixture of foothill pines, shrubs and numerous wildflowers.
- San Joaquin River Trail
- Distance: 2 miles (to BLM boundary)
- Round Trip from Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking: 4 Miles
A portion of the San Joaquin River Trail (SJRT). Access to the trail is across the road from the Ya-Gub-Weh-Tuh parking and guides you into the Millerton Lake State Recreation Area. When complete the San Joaquin River Trail will eventually connect Highway 99 to the Pacific Crest Trail near the Devils Postpile National Monument. Portions of the trail cover prehistoric trade routes of the Mono Indians.
- River Access Trail
- Distance: 1/2 mile
- Round Trip from River Access Parking: 1 mile
A short switchback trail leading down to the San Joaquin River's edge through the oak woodlands and grass understory. Day use parking is available at this trail head.
Accessibility Description (ABA/ADA)
There is no cell phone reception at this site.
The parking lot for this campground has 16 spaces, 2 of which are designated as accessible with access aisles for vans. Overflow parking for another 25 vehicles is available about 200 yards down the road, in an uneven grass lot.
An information kiosk with site and safety information sits on packed gravel and dirt near the entrance to the site.
A double vault toilet rests on a concrete pad next to the main parking lot. The transition from the paved lot to the concrete pad is a little uneven.
A water spigot with an easy-to-use paddle valve is in a grassy area with a slight slope near one of the accessible parking spaces.
None of the 5 campsites are designated as accessible because of the somewhat uneven terrain. Campsite 2 is closest to the toilet. The path between the toilet and the campsite, like the other pathways in the campground, may be challenging for people with mobility impairments.
All the campsites have picnic tables with extended ends to accommodate wheelchair users and fire rings with grill attachments that can be reached from a sitting position. The single campsites (campsites 1 and 2) each have 1 table; the double campsites (campsites 3, 4, and 5) have 2 tables.
The campground serves as the main trailhead for several trails that were not designed to be accessible, including the San Joaquin River Trail, the Footbridge Trail, the Pa’san Ridge Loop, and the Wuh-ki’o Trail.
Descriptions and photos uploaded June 2026. Please note that actual on-the-ground conditions may vary due to natural events (e.g., weather, wildfires, erosion), normal wear and tear, or site improvements.
Contact Us
Activities
Addresses
Geographic Coordinates
Directions
The San Joaquin River Gorge is located approximately five (5) miles northwest of the town of Auberry. The visitor center is located at 40060 Smalley Road, Auberry, California. Google Maps accurately locates the visitor center at it's actual location. From Fresno, take CA-168 north. One mile after the town of Prather, turn left onto Auberry Road. Follow Auberry Road 2.9 miles through the town of Auberry and turn left at the Y onto Powerhouse Road. After 1.8 miles, turn left onto Smalley Road and follow it into the SRMA.
Fees
$10 per night