CRONAN RANCH - WEST RIDGE / EAST RIDGE LOOP
TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2024

DIFFICULTY:  Moderate overall. Moderately strenuous climb from the parking lot before descent to river and a section of moderate incline from the river back. Trail along the river is flat.

ELEVATION/ELEVATION GAIN:  Trailhead 900 ft. / West Ridge Trail gain 300 ft.

HIKE DISTANCE: 6.5/7 miles. Bring a minimum of 40 oz. of water.

GENERAL LOCATION:  Off Hwy 49 - 12 miles south of Auburn and approx. 5.2 miles past Cool. Address for GPS:  5084 Pedro Hill Road, Pilot Hill 95664.

DESCRIPTION:  Enjoy a relaxing hike through the rolling terrain of Cronan Ranch Regional Park with its stunning scenery and spectacular views of the Sierra Foothills and South Fork of the American River. Most of the journey will be in the open with some oak woodland, and the trails are well groomed. We’ll take the West Ridge Trail from the parking lot to the river where we’ll travel along riverfront trails. Lunch at the river before the return to the parking lot on the East Ridge Trail. For more details:  https://colom.dmcm.dev/recreation/riverside-parks/cronan-ranch-trails-park/

Optional on return trip:  Cool Beerwerks Brewery for interesting small bites (including sushi rolls), beverages, and more camaraderie. Form carpools accordingly.  https://www.cbwbeer.com

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Approx. 45 minutes travel time – approx. 25 miles. Expected return to SCLH midafternoon. Suggested contribution for the driver $7.00.

HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Carol Yoder at 530.210.0215 / Sweep TBD.

FACILITIES: Clean restrooms at the parking lot and along the river.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION IN PREPARATION FOR HIKE
1. IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE HIKING.
2.  Bring a copy of your ID (driver's license), health card(s), and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.
3. Always bring 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to store your muddy/dusty hiking boots after the hike. DO NOT get your driver's car dirty by wearing your dirty boots on the drive home.
4.  Bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen. Dress in layers and wear a hat. Hiking boots and trekking poles recommended for the ups and downs. Potential of some mud on the trail if rainy weather continues. Bring something to sit on for lunch by the river.
5.  Always watch for poison oak off the trail and check for ticks after the hike.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

PREVIOUS PHOTOS