Pacheco State Park is the last remaining portion of the Mexican land grant, El Rancho San Luis Gonzaga. Francisco Pacheco and his son Juan were granted the property and built the first house in Merced County on this land in 1843. The land remained in the Pacheco family through five generations until Paula Fatjo, the great-great granddaughter of Francisco Pacheco, donated the land in 1992 to be a park for future generations who share her love of animals, horse back riding, history, and unspoiled land. This land has been a horse and a cattle ranch since 1843 and has breath taking views of the Central Valley to the east and the Santa Clara Valley to the west.

Among the historic features of the park are an old line shack used by Henry Miller?s cattle company in the 1800s, part of the old Butterfield Stage line route, and the remains of the original Pacheco adobe. There is also a wind turbine farm which generates enough clean electrical power for 3,500 homes.

Although the total park area is 6,890 acres only the western 2,600 acres are open for public use at this time.

During the spring the park?s grassy slopes abound with blossoming wildflowers. The park is home to tule elk, deer, bobcat, coyote, fox, several hawks, golden eagles and many other smaller animals. Cattle continue to graze on the ranch in the winter and spring months.

The park was originally part of a Mexican land grant given to Francisco Pacheco in 1843. His son Juan inherited it and built an adobe home there around 1850. The family used the area for cattle ranching until Paula Fatjo, great-granddaughter of Francisco Pacheco donated nearly half her property to create a public space.

The donation occurred after her death in 1986 with stipulations that horseback riding be allowed and wind turbines remain operational. Officially opened as a state park on Earth Day (April)1997, today it spans over 6600 acres offering hiking trails while preserving historical landmarks from its ranching past.

There are no facilities for camping except for special events. There is no potable water for human consumption at this time but there is water in the park?s several lakes for horses. Camping is available at nearby San Luis State Recreation Area.