This hike has been cancelled.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 20 at 8:00am
Location: Big Hill Preserves, North Auburn
This outing is a special event for photography enthusiasts to explore a blue oak woodland area in the foothills where they would not otherwise have access. The Outing will be led by trained Placer Land Trust Hike Docents, but will be a bit different than our normal hike outings, as the pace will be slower, and distance shorter, to provide an opportunity for photographers to find that perfect shot. The event will provide a variety of photo opportunities, including creekside/riparian, various rock formations, oak woodland panoramas and elevated viewpoints. Due to a late spring, there is also a possibility of wildflowers, depending on weather leading up to the outing. The hike will be at a casual pace, providing opportunities for photography at various stopping points as well as along the trails.
Distance and difficulty: The outing will have downhill and uphill travel along trails with uneven terrain and footing. Total hike distance will be between 1.5 and 2.5 miles, depending on weather, and trail conditions and will take approximately 3-4 hours, depending on the pace of the participants. Good hiking shoes will be a necessity.
Who should attend: This outing is for photographers who can walk the distance at a slower casual pace, making stops along the way for taking pictures. Not recommended for children under 12 years old. Sorry, no dogs allowed unless they are service animals (due to the potential conflicts with livestock and wildlife).
About Taylor Ranch / Big Hill Preserves:
These preserves protect critical unfragmented oak woodlands in the Raccoon Creek and Bear River watersheds, and are part of one of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County. The trails on these preserves meander past spectacular rock formations, the gently flowing Raccoon Creek, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and Sacramento Valley. Learn more about this beautiful preserve here.
This is a free event; however, donations help make these activities possible! We suggest a donation of $10 per person or $25 for a family. You can donate during registration, and we’re happy to accept cash or a check at the event in an envelope with your name written on it.
Registration:
- You may only register yourself and members of your household.
- People outside of your household must register themselves.
- Deadline to sign up is 5pm on Wednesday prior to the event (unless the event fills first.)
- Space is limited! Please only register if you will be attending so that you don’t take a spot away from someone else.
- Only registered guests are allowed to attend.
- If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Elia by by email.
Participants must sign a release of liability available here. Please print and bring it with you the day of the event. One form per household. Parent signature is required for children under 18.
This activity is a wilderness outing in a natural setting. There is a porta-potty on-site near a few picnic benches, but there or water on site, so please come prepared. PLT reserves the right to cancel an event in cases of extreme weather, bad air quality, rain, or other conditions beyond our control. Heavy rain will cancel the event.
Directions to the Preserve will be emailed after registration. Check your spam folder if you do not receive the email within 15 minutes of registering.
Important Note: Our Big Hill, Harvego and Laursen Preserves, including the roads surrounding them, are not open to the public. Please help us respect the neighborhoods around these preserves by only visiting during scheduled guided activities that you are registered for. Trespassers will be prosecuted.