Date & Time: Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm
Location: Big Hill Preserves, North Auburn
Join our volunteer docents for a guided hike to see the natural wonders of the foothills under the light of the Long Night Moon! The Long Night Moon is so named by the Mohican people because this full moon rises during the longest nights of the year right before the winter solstice. We start while it’s still a little light so you can watch how the preserve transforms as the night grows darker. We will hike to a scenic overlook to watch the moon continue to rise then finish with a quiet descent through oak woodlands illuminated by the moon. Get ready for the unique sensory experience of a Placer Land Trust preserve at night!
Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, with a red bulb if possible.
Distance and difficulty: 4 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 recommended for ages 12 and older, who can hike at a slow to moderate pace. 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:
- You may only register yourself and members of your household. People outside of your household must register themselves.
- The deadline to sign up is 12 pm on the Friday before 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.
- If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Elia by email.
Participants must sign a release of liability. Please complete it by noon the Friday before the event. One form per adult. Parent signature is required for children under 18. Please note, this does not register you for the hike. (To register, please scroll down this page and click the link.) For the link to the waiver, click here.
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: The Big Hill and Harvego Preserves, including the roads surrounding them, are not open to the public. Please help us respect the neighborhoods around these preserves by visiting only during scheduled guided activities you are registered for. Trespassers will be prosecuted.
