Whitney Ranch

(with Optional Lunch at William Jessup University)

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

DIFFICULTY:  This hike has two options to it.  The first 3.5 miles is rated easy.  If you choose to continue with the optional portion of the hike to William Jessup University for lunch and return, the combined hike would be moderate, about 7.5 miles.

ELEVATION GAIN:  The first 3.5 mile portion of the hike has approximately 200 feet elevation gain.  We will hike out approximately 1.75 miles and return back to our vehicles on the same trail back.  The approximately 200 feet elevation gain occurs in the first 1.75 miles.  The hike back to our vehicles is mostly downhill.  The optional second part of the hike to William Jessup University for lunch and back to our vehicles is an approximately 4.0 mile loop.  The trail is flat except for some down and up when traversing the wetlands adjacent to Highway 65.

HIKE DISTANCE:  First part of hike is approximately 3.5 miles out & back.  Second optional part of hike to William Jessup University is about a 4.0 mile loop.

GENERAL LOCATION:  Whiney Ranch area near Whitney High School in Rocklin, CA in the general area of Wildcat Blvd. And Whitney Parkway.  The first part of the hike starts at Whitney Community Park where we will park our vehicles.  We will hike out and back from there on trails through the Whitney Ranch housing community.  The optional second part of the hike will be a loop through the wetlands between Whitney Ranch Parkway and Sunset Blvd.  adjacent to Highway 65 and return to Whitney Community Park.

DESCRIPTION:   This will be a leisurely hike/walk through the Whitney Ranch community and the wetlands south of Whitney Ranch Parkway in Rocklin.  If you choose to do the total hike, the length is about 7.5 miles out and back and includes lunch at William Jessup University’s Crossroads Cafe.  We will park our cars near the middle of the hike allowing people to make this either a 3.5 or a 7.5 mile hike.   The trails are paved. We will start at the Whitney Community Park on Wildcat Blvd.

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  Travel time is about 10 to 15 minutes to cover the 5 miles to the trailhead.  Suggested donation to the driver is $3.

 HIKE LEADER/SWEEP:  Jim Fisher/Denny Fisher

 SPECIAL NOTES:

FACILITIES AVAILABLE:  Toilets are available at Whitney Community Park and William Jessup Univiersity.

RISKS:  The trail is paved and used by both bikers and walkers.  We will have to watch for bikers, but since the hike is scheduled for a week day, we are hopeful that traffic will be limited.

 PREPARATION OF THE HIKE:

1)             Bring a copy of your ID (driver’s license), health card, and emergency contact name and phone number with you when you hike.

2)             If you have any health issues, please consider your condition before hiking.

3)             Always bring an extra pair of shoes along with a plastic bag to store your hiking boots after the hike.  

4)             Bring a snack and water.  If you are planning on having lunch at William Jessup University, bring money to pay for you lunch ($10 to $20).

5.)            Trekking poles are probably not needed for this hike, but bring them if you wish.

QUESTIONS: Call Denny at 916-505-4948

Rain the day before or on hike day will cancel hike

MEETING TIME:  9:00 AM at Orchard Creek Mail Box.  We leave at 9:15 AM