How did Coalinga get it's name?
In the early years of railroading, before the extensive development of oil production in California, the steam locomotives were powered by the burning of coal obtained from the northern foothills of Mount Diablo. The Southern Pacific Railway established the site as a coaling station in 1888, and it was called simply Coaling Station A. Local tradition has it that an official of Southern Pacific made the name more sonorous by adding an a to it.
Welcome to Coalinga, California
Coalinga is located in Pleasant Valley at the eastern edge of California's Coastal Mountain Range, surrounded by rolling hills and ranches. Coalinga is approximately 12 miles west of I-5 and approximately 70 miles southwest of Fresno. Pleasant Valley is located in the southwest part of Fresno County, about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles. Coalinga is a full-service city that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. Coalinga's educational system is offered by Coalinga-Huron Unified Schoool District - Kindergarten through 12th grade, and Faith Chistian Academy - Preschool through 12th grade. Coalinga Regional Medical Center is a thriving hospital that serves Pleasant Valley. Coalinga also has a parks and recreation district, and a 2-year community college - West Hills Community College.
Today, the city's main industries are agriculture, oil and incarceration. The city is home to the Harris Ranch Beef Company; Harris Ranch Restaurant and Inn; The Iron Zoo; R.C. Baker Museum, with a restored Richfield gas station; the Coalinga Oil Field, operated by Chevron and Aera Energy; the Guijarral Hills Oil Field; Claremont Custody Center; Pleasant Valley State Prison; and Coalinga State Hospital.
COALINGA MINERAL SPRINGS RECREATION AREA
The park is located 18 miles west of Coalinga off Highway 198 on Coalinga Mineral Springs Road. This area became a County park in 1967 when a lease agreement was signed with the Wildlife Conservation Board to provide hunting and hiking access to Bureau of Land Management lands. It has restroom facilities and a creek that runs during the rainy season. Just south of the restroom faciites, the water is saturated with minerals. The trail to Keyenhagen Peak starts at this park.
LOS GATOS CREEK PARK
The park is located 18 miles west of Coalinga on Los Gatos Creek Road. The park offers day use and overnight camping facilities. On the upper level of the park there are 44 undeveloped campsites. Also available are 17 overflow campsites and a baseball field. A large group picnic area is available. There is 2 restroom facilities and Los Gatos creek that runs off and on during the year.
Other Recreational Areas
There are other recreational areas to choose from like Curry Mountain trail which is located on Highway 198 west of Coalinga. Pinnacles National Monument which is located about 1 1/2 hours northwest from Coalinga on Highway 25. Joaquin Rocks (Three Rocks) which is located north of Coalinga. There are more links in the Directory on outdoor recreation.
