RATTLESNAKE BAR TRAIL
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2011


DIFFICULTY:  Easy 

ELEVATION:  Starting point and lowest elevation --- 428 feet.  Highest point --- approximately 600 feet

HIKE DISTANCE:  Approximately 5 miles ---- in and out, not a loop.

GENERAL LOCATION:  On the edge of Folsom Lake in the vicinity of Loomis

DESCRIPTION:  This trail is actually part of the Pioneer Express Trail that goes from Discovery Park in Sacramento to Auburn (see photo of sign).  The section we will hike starts at Rattlesnake Bar and goes to Long Bar.  There is a picnic table at Long Bar where we will take a break and enjoy a mid-morning snack.   The highlight of this trail is that it traverses a riparian zone along the fringe of Folsom Lake and there are many marvelous views of the lake.  Hikers share this popular trail with horseback riders, but no bikers.  This is a delightful trail close to Lincoln Hills but with a far-away feel to it!!

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  35 minutes driving time and 17 miles one way.  Return time to Lincoln ---- approximately 12:30 pm.  A donation of $3 is suggested for riders.  We will park a short distance outside of the Park boundary,  hence there is no fee for parking.  Driving directions --- see below and print before coming to the hike, if driving.


HIKE LEADER:  Sue Geisler   SWEEP:  Kathy Bannon

SPECIAL NOTES: 

    FACILITIES:  None.  We will use the facilities at Orchard Creek before leaving LH parking lot.
   
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, 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) You do NOT need to bring a lunch --- instead bring a mid-morning snack and water.  Trekking poles are recommended, but not required.

RISKS:  There is poison oak alongside the trail, but it can be avoided.

RAIN CANCELS HIKE.

MEETING TIME:  7:30 AM  -  LEAVING TIME:  7:45 AM

Photos from the prehike.


DRIVING DIRECTIONS:
    Take Sierra College Blvd. south and turn left onto King Road.  Follow King Road to the intersection of Auburn-Folsom Road and turn left.  Drive about 1 mile and turn right onto Newcastle Road.  Drive about 1 mile to the intersection of Newcastle Road and Rattlesnake Road (actually Newcastle Road turns into Rattlesnake Road) and stay to the right onto Rattlesnake Road.  Drive about 1 mile and stop at the brown signs --- "Folsom Lake Recreation Area --- Rattlesnake Bar"  and "Park Hours".
    In front of the signs (on the right side of the road) is a dirt pullout where we will park ---- parallel to the signs so that several cars can fit in the space.
There are no facilities at the parking area, so hikers should use the Orchard Creek facilities before leaving Lincoln Hills.