Dry Creek Trailhead

The Dry Creek Trailhead is a multi-use facility located in Clovis, California, at the southwest corner of Sunnyside and Shepherd Avenues. Constructed by the City of Clovis, this trailhead serves as a hub for four trails and is designed to provide access to the regional trail system.

Covering approximately 3 acres, the Dry Creek Trailhead is an extremely water-efficient and low-maintenance facility. It serves around 2 million people annually, offering a space for both recreation and rest. The trailhead's design incorporates elements that reflect the area's agricultural and water history, making it an educational as well as functional space.

The facility includes sustainable features such as native drought-tolerant trees and hardscape surfacing designed to resemble a local farm. It also incorporates granite outcroppings, stacked stone walls, a windmill, and a water well that cleverly hides a drain inlet. Informational plaques throughout the trailhead explain the area's agricultural and water history, providing visitors with insights into local heritage.

One of the key features of the Dry Creek Trailhead is its stormwater retention and detention system installed below the parking lot. This system can hold up to 197,000 gallons of stormwater, allowing water to percolate into the ground and recharge the aquifer. This design demonstrates responsible water use and sets a standard for future projects aiming to preserve water resources.

The Dry Creek Trailhead serves not only as a recreational facility but also as a vital transportation hub. It connects residents to downtown Clovis, local transit, recreational destination points, places of business, retail and educational facilities, and the adjacent City of Fresno. On-site maps display existing and planned trails in Clovis and the surrounding area, making it easier for visitors to plan their routes.