On several of our drives from Northern California to Southern California, we’d seen this vista point along Interstate-5 but never stopped there. Usually, in a hurry, it was something that was always kept aside for ‘some other time.’ One time last winter, when we were on a shorter drive down this highway, we decided to make a stop at this place, that I later learned was called California Aqueduct Vista Point. And what a great view it held!
California Aqueduct Vista Point
The road that led us off I-5 took us to the top of a hill and opened out to this view of green rolling hills of the Diablo Range and California Central Valley blanketed in a lighter green. We could also see Interstate-5 and a couple of canals on either side of the highway.
Pretty sights, aren’t they? We take some places for granted especially when they are on an often-traveled route, don’t we? I’m glad we finally made that stop at the California Aqueduct Vista Point and took in these views.
That said, let me warn you that these are pure winter sights. In the summer and fall months, this area might look very different. You will still see the aqueduct and the road and all but the area is not this refreshing a sight.
For a good part of the year, it is a yellow to tan landscape that you will see here. It is when the winter showers come, that these mountains turn into these lovely shades of green. And in soft- evening-light the valley looks a neon green like you see in the pictures.
As for the aqueducts you see in the pictures, although this point is called the California Aqueduct, I believe it also shows you the Delta Mendota Canal.
Graffiti at the vista point
There’s one more thing I have to show you.
Adding a pop of color to the green landscape at this vista point was a dumpster splashed with paint and heavily scribbled upon.
I thought the graffiti on the dumpster was ok. What was sad to see was that the placard with the information about the aqueduct was marred with some tagging. It not only made it difficult to read the placard but the stuff written on it is not something I would want to put up on this blog. 🙁
California Aqueduct
Anyway, what I managed to gather was that the California Aqueduct runs parallel to Interstate Highway 5. It transports water from the Sacramento – San Joaquin Delta to the southern parts San Joaquin Valley, South Bay, Central Coast and Southern California for irrigation and municipal purposes.
If you’d like to visit this vista point on I-5, let me remind you that it is called the California Aqueduct Vista Point and it is beside the Southbound lanes in a place called Newman, CA.
Remember: It’s not going to look this green in Summer/Fall. 🙂
You might also want to see:
Mt. Shasta Vista Point on I-5
Diablo Range in Winter —
The Hills are Alive Again
Patterson Pass snaking thru shades of Green
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I don’t think the colour is necessary in those surroundings.
True. That landscape needs no manmade colors.
Thank you for coming this way, Bertie. 🙂
Great contrast between nature and human handling. I like your composition shot of the dumpster.
Oh yeah! that is quite a contrast.
Strangely, I enjoyed photographing the dumpster. 😀
Your vistas of the California landscape are very beautiful and painter-like. The graffiti on the dumpster seem rather crude, but it’s nice to contrast them.
best…. mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae,
Welcome back.
Thank you. That IS some crude work. It stood out of the scene. 🙂
Have a lovely week. 🙂
Wow, beautiful scenery!
What a pity the information placard has been defaced. The colourful dumpster looks a bit out of place there.
Thanks for participating Dee.
These parts look amazing in the winter. It is such a contrast to what it looks like in the summer.
It was really difficult to read the information. That was the saddest part.
Thank you for hosting, Sami.
Wow, those views are amazing!
Aren’t they?!
Thank you for stopping by, Sharon. 🙂
Great views from out there, that’s why it’s called vista point, wink. I have not heard of this. Although, I very rarely travel southbound.
😀
It’s called California Aqueduct Vista Point but I think the other aqueduct is more visible there. 😉
Oh is it?
When you are bored you could maybe do a short drive down to this point. 😉
I was born in the neighboring valley town of Patterson in the fertile San Joaquin Valley. Beautiful Del Puerto Canon is lovely in the Spring, when this picture were taken. It’s not as lovely or charming in the dead of Summer when it’s dry and scorched earth and rattle snakes are the few creatures willing to be out in and out in the 105 degree weather. Spring creeks have all dried up and all the wild flowers are long gone Frank Rained Park is dusty and hit, not many picnic goers during the hot summer!It’s actually very ugly, depressing and you must live with the fear that everything might go up in flames at any minutes. Cal- Fire has a station in Patterson just off of I-5 and a Smokey the Bear sign in front of the fire station gives you the fire danger rating for the day. It’s usually high risk in July and August! But this area and the sweet, once small, farming towns are charming. The drive is rather boring, but it’s a direct route to LA and 99 is more crowded with 18 Wheelers and passing through many towns as you head South to LA. Just remember to visit the overlook in Springtime when it’s pretty!
Fabulous scenery! I love the rolling hills and wonderful colors. The graffitied trash bin is a great splash of color, too.
Thanks for linking up at ‘My Corner of the World’ this week!
My Corner of the World
🙂
Thank you so much for hosting, Betty. 🙂
WOW! The vistas are breathtaking!
Happy Thursday!
True. 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Veronica.
Have a great week. 🙂
Believe me, I don’t have words for these mesmerizing views. Great post. I just want to say that keep posting about views like these, like you always do.
Hey Abhisek,
Thanks a ton. This place looks gorgeous after the winter rains. And then it just gets super-dry. It was such a treat to see it like this.
Thanks again. 🙂
A lovely splash of natural colors
🙂
Thank you for visiting, Mr. Bhatia.
OMG Those landscapes!!! Love all those pictures!!! The clouds, the colours…all so beautiful!
Alle? 🙂
Nature’s artwork. (And some human work too.)
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. This post caught my eye. I grew up in Compton, California, and every holiday we drove north to visit my grandparents who moved from their Compton farmhouse in 1954 to Waterford, in the Central Valley. When I was growing up a distant relative Carl Porter was elected to the California legislature. He was instrumental on supporting the building of the aqueduct. When we drove to Grandma’s house I always watched for the “waterfall” where the water cascaded down into the Los Angeles basin. I no longer live there, but always look for it on visits. – Margy
Oh, that’s so nice. Fond memories, I see. 🙂
Thank you for your lovely comment, Margy.
I hope you are having a good week. 🙂