Halloween Costumes Encouraged!
Date & Time: Friday, October 27, 2023 at 5:30 pm
Location: Big Hill Preserves, North Auburn
About this event: Halloween is coming and so is the full moon! When was the last time you donned a Halloween costume and hiked out to a rock outcrop under a full moon?! Join our volunteer docents for a guided hike to see the natural wonders of the foothills in the fall under the light of the Hunter’s Moon!
We encourage participants to enjoy the spirit of the season and come dressed in a *simple* costume or something Halloween-themed (but make sure its something lightweight and rugged that you could hike up to 5 miles in.) This hike is not geared towards children and minimum age is 12 years. The hike begins while it’s still light so you can watch how the preserve transforms as the night grows darker. We will hike to a scenic overlook for the special opportunity to catch the moonrise, then finish with a quiet descent through oak woodlands illuminated by the moon. Get ready for a fun and unique sensory experience of a Placer Land Trust preserve at night!
Please bring a flashlight or headlamp, with a red bulb if possible. ONLY use your light for emergencies as eyes take a long time to adjust back to the dark.
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.
Distance and difficulty: 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 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:
• The deadline to sign up is the Thursday before the event unless the event fills first. You must be registered to attend.
• 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.
To cancel, please contact Elia by email.
Participants must sign a release of liability available here. Please print it and bring it with you on 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. 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.
