🌤 Weather at Dos Rios State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 45–82 °F | 59–95 °F | 43–89 °F | 39–62 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Modesto City Co Airport, 10 mi away, elevation 73 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Dos Rios State Park is a California state park of about 1,600 acres at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin rivers near Modesto, opened to the public on June 12, 2024.
Quick Facts
| State | California |
| Nearest City | Modesto |
| County | Stanislaus |
| Park Size | 1,600 acres |
| Opened | June 12, 2024 |
| Address | 3559 Shiloh Road, Modesto, CA 95358 |
| Hours | Fridays to Sundays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Vehicle Day Use | Free (as of October 2026) |
Location & Getting There
Dos Rios State Park is at 3559 Shiloh Road in Modesto, California. The park’s coordinates are 37.5878, -121.1354.
Things to Do
California state parks span an extraordinary range of landscapes — from ancient redwood forests and rugged Pacific coastline to Mojave Desert dunes and Sierra Nevada alpine meadows. Depending on the park, visitors can enjoy hiking through old-growth groves, swimming and surfing along miles of wild beaches, camping beneath towering sequoias, kayaking coastal sea caves, mountain biking oak-studded foothills, fishing in alpine lakes, rock climbing granite formations, and wildlife watching for everything from elephant seals to California condors. Many parks also preserve important cultural and historic sites, including Native American heritage areas, Gold Rush-era settlements, and Spanish mission ruins.
Best Time to Visit
California’s parks are a year-round destination, though the ideal season depends on the region. Coastal parks enjoy mild weather from spring through fall, with summer fog keeping temperatures comfortable along the central and northern coast. Desert parks like Anza-Borrego are best visited October through April — summer temperatures can exceed 110°F. Mountain parks in the Sierra Nevada are most accessible June through October, when snow melts and trails open. Spring (March–May) brings wildflower super blooms in the southern deserts. Fall offers warm days, thinner crowds statewide, and stunning foliage at higher elevations. Winter is the quiet season at most parks and brings excellent whale watching along the coast.
Visitor Tips
Dos Rios is open only on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and vehicle day use is free during the initial opening phase. Dogs are welcome only in the base camp area and on the Pond Loop and Confluence Trails, always on a 6-foot leash. Check the park page for current restrictions and guided walks before you go.
Explore More California State Parks
Dos Rios State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in California. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in California guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Dos Rios State Park — at the confluence of the Tuolumne and San Joaquin Rivers — opened public access to this major river confluence in 2024. Its trails, river access and wildlife viewing areas lie in a landscape of riparian forest, wetlands, and seasonal floodplains. Chinook salmon migrate through. Bald eagles and osprey fish the rivers. Great blue herons and egrets nest in rookeries.
Nearby Attractions
Modesto — about 8 miles northeast — has downtown dining and the “American Graffiti” legacy. Caswell Memorial SP — a short drive north — has rare Central Valley riparian forest.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbor is Caswell Memorial State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dos Rios State Park
Park policy: California State Parks says dogs are welcome at Dos Rios only in the base camp area and on the Pond Loop and Confluence Trails, and they must always be on a 6-foot leash.
- Pets allowed?
- On a 6-foot leash, only in the base camp area and on the Pond Loop and Confluence Trails
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Dos Rios State Park?
On a 6-foot leash, only in the base camp area and on the Pond Loop and Confluence Trails.
Beyond that, California’s statewide rules apply.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
Plan your gear for Dos Rios State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
