Quick Facts:
- 85 acres of canyon land in Auburn along the American River
- Protected with a conservation easement since December 2003 by Placer Land Trust
- Oak Woodlands, Canyon Scenery, and Wildlife habitat
Public Recreation
Views from the rim of the American River Canyon at Bettencourt Preserve are spectacular, and trails on the property lead down to the river south of the confluence of the North and Middle Forks. This preserve also protects public access to the Western States Trail.
Open Space
Situated between the Auburn State Recreation Area and Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, the property connects the two public areas. Large tracts of undeveloped land provide important habitat for native plants and wildlife in this oak woodlands ecosystem.
Riparian Habitat
Protecting habitat around streams and wetlands ensures that nature’s filtration system remains intact reducing erosion and keeping watersheds healthy and clean.
Bettencourt Preserve is not open to the public, but sections of the public Pioneer Express Trail and Oregon Bar Trail cross through the Preserve. There is no trailhead or public access point at Bettencourt Preserve. For a list of our properties that have public trails, visit our Trails page.
