Date & Time: Sunday, April 7 at 9:00am
Location: Big Hill Preserves, North Auburn
About this event: Let our Geologist docents take you on a special hike focusing on the geology and hydrology of the foothills! This rural land has distinctive rock outcrops and a year-round stream that sources one of the regional irrigation canal systems. The hike takes us to a high point in the region, with views from the Coast Ranges to the Sierra Nevada. We’ll look at how this beautiful landscape evolved over millions of years and how it relates to the geology of greater California. Discussions include topics in earthquakes, volcanoes, and the source and fate of Sierra Nevada surface water.
This hike has become one of our most popular activities and fills up fast!
Distance and difficulty: 4 – 4.5 miles+ and takes approximately 3-4 hours. It is a moderate hike with some rough terrain and an elevation gain of around 500 ft.
Who should attend: This hike is for people interested in learning more about geology who can hike the distance at a slow to moderate pace. Children under 7 years old may have difficulty. Sorry, no dogs are allowed unless they are service animals due to the potential conflicts with livestock and wildlife.
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:
- The deadline to sign up is 5 pm on Thursday before the event unless the event fills first.
- You may only register yourself and members of your household. People outside of your household must register themselves.
- Space is limited! Please only register if you will be attending so that you don’t take a spot away from someone else.
- If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Elia by email.
Participants must sign a release of liability available here.
Please complete the online waiver by noon the Friday before the event. One form per adult. Parent signature is required for children under 18.
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 activity is a wilderness outing in a natural setting. PLT reserves the right to cancel an event in cases of extreme weather, bad air quality, rain, or other conditions beyond our control.
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.
