Sugar Pine Loop Trail

Tuesday, April, 28,2015

DIFFICULTY: Moderate / Strenuous

ELEVATION: Trailhead is 1900 ft., trail drops to about 1700 ft. over the first 2.5 miles.  It then climbs to 2060 ft. within a half mile, with steep grades and switchbacks as it heads north and tops Sugar Pine Ridge. Continuing north, it descends to about 1800 ft. and then works its way back to 2000 ft. before descending gradually for the last mile to the trailhead.

HIKE DISTANCE: 6.4 mile loop

GENERAL LOCATION: Located in Meadow Vista, about 22 miles from Sun City Lincoln Hills, via 193, and I 80E to Clipper Gap, then north on Placer Hills Rd to Sugar Pine Rd.

DESCRIPTION: The Sugar Pine Loop Trail is a multiuse trail that provides a 6.4 mile loop skirting the edges of Winchester Estates, once known as the Marty Ranch.  The trail is well maintained and the footing is excellent.  All stream crossings have wooden bridges that are wide and safe for horses.  Note there are some steep grades with switchbacks, hence the moderate/strenuous rating despite the shorter distance.

TRAVEL TIME AND DISTANCE:  About 30 minutes driving time and 22 miles one way. A donation of $5 is suggested for riders.  Trailhead parking: There is a sizeable grassy area on the north side of Sugar Pine Rd. at the corner of Placer Hills Rd. Expected return time to Sun City: 3:00-3:30 PM

HIKE LEADER: Ben Rendahl, (916) 316-4606  SWEEP: Sue Geisler

SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES: There are no bathrooms at the trailhead, but there are two  reasonably clean port-a-potties at a ball field approximately half a mile into the hike that we will stop at.

PREPARATION FOR HIKE

1.Bring a copy of your ID (drivers license), health card, and an emergency contact name and phone number with you on the hike.

2. IF YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH ISSUES, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR CONDITION BEFORE PREPARATION FOR HIKING

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 way home

4. Hiking boots (not tennis shoes) and poles are recommended.  Trekking poles for the steep grade and switchback areas.

5. Wear sunscreen and a hat.

6. Bring lunch and plenty of water.

LUNCH: Bring your lunch as well as trail snacks.  There are not many wide areas for lunch so group may be somewhat scattered.  You may wish to have a large plastic bag to sit on, large rocks, downed trees, stumps are not plentiful.

RISKS: Poison Oak – Poison Oak grows along some of this trail and may hang out onto the trail in places.

SPECIAL NOTE: Private Property:  The trail is built on a 30 ft. wide easement that passes the backyards of several private homes.  Please stay on the trail and be considerate.

QUESTIONS: call Ben Rendahl at (916) 316-4606

MEETING TIME:  8:15 AM  LEAVING TIME: 8:30 AM