Date & Time: Sunday, December 8 at 8:30 am 

Location: Harvego Bear River Preserve, North Auburn 

Calling all serious hikers! Join us for this special opportunity to experience a seldom-visited section of our Harvego Bear River Preserve! This hike will pass sites, views and flora not typically seen elsewhere on our preserves due to the remote route. Our trained docents will lead you up and down foothills and ravines with steep climbs and impressive views. This hike requires continuous strenuous effort.  All hikers must carry at least 2 liters of water, electrolytes, and high-calorie snacks and come dressed for variable weather and plenty of warm layers.  

Distance and difficulty: This will be a challenging trek and is only recommended for more experienced hikers. Due to the strenuous nature of the hike and the long mileage, hikers should only register if they can move continuously for at least 4-5 hours with minimal stops. The total elevation gain is around 1,000 feet and the end time is approximate, but allows for the hike to continue until 3 pm depending on the terrain or obstacles encountered. 

Who should attend: This hike is designed for experienced hikers only who are physically able to cover 7-8 miles at a fast pace on rough trails without assistance or lengthy stops. Youths under the age of 15 are not advised to attend. Sorry, no dogs are allowed unless they are service animals due to 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 available here.   

Please complete the online waiver before the event. One form per household. Parent signature is required for children under 18. 

About Harvego Bear River Preserve 
This preserve, which includes a working cattle ranch, protects critical unfragmented oak woodlands in the Bear River watershed and is part of one of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County. It includes over three miles of Bear River frontage and features spectacular views and an amazing diversity of wildlife. 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.