AMERICAN RIVER PARKWAY -- FOLSOM SECTION
TUESDAY, FEBUARY 8, 2011




DIFFICULTY:  Easy to Moderate (Note:  Our hiking guidelines state "up to 5 miles" is "easy" and this hike is a little over 6 miles, hence the additional word "moderate" is added to this hike.)

ELEVATION GAIN:  The majority of the trail is level with some ups & downs on the last half mile.  Elevations range between approximately 400 and 500 feet. 

HIKE DISTANCE:   A little over 6 miles ---- in and out, not a loop

GENERAL LOCATION:  In the Folsom and Granite Bay area --- the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area

DESCRIPTION:  Have you seen Folsom Lake?  This hike will give you wonderful unobstructed  (no bushes or trees in the way!!) views of Folsom Lake on a great portion of the 6 miles out and back. This particular portion is a a flat raised berm, so it is easy walking and awesome viewing!  Snow capped Sierras can also be seen.  We begin at the Folsom Section Office which is right next to the American River Parkway paved trail.  From there we walk/hike to the very end of the Parkway and then begin the packed dirt Pioneer Express Trail.

Although the Parkway is paved, walking is best and safest (from the bikers) on the gravel shoulder.  We will have an early lunch about 11:15 am at Beals Point on the return leg of the hike.. 

TRAVEL TIME/DISTANCE:  35 to 40 minutes driving time and 20 miles one way.   Return time to Lincoln --- approximately 1:30 pm.  A donation of $3 is suggested for riders.  Driving directions --- see below and please print before coming to the hike, if driving.

HIKE LEADER:  David Wood   SWEEP:  TBD

SPECIAL NOTES:

    FACILITIES:  Bathroom at the American River Water Education Center and at Beals Point.

    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)  Bring lunch, water, hiking boots (not athletic shoes), gloves, warm and layered clothing for the cold weather, and trekking poles (not really necessary for this hike,  although this leader will be using her poles and always recommends them!).

RISKS:  Cold weather and if windy, even a light breeze, can make the hike uncomfortable --- so be prepared!

RAIN OR FOGON THE DAY OF THE HIKE CANCELS HIKE!  Rain on the day preceding the hike will not cause cancellation. 

QUESTIONS:  Call David Wood at 408-7562.

MEETING TIME:  8:45 AM - LEAVING TIME:  9:00 AM


DRIVING DIRECTIONS:  Take Sierra College Blvd. to Douglas Blvd. (in Roseville) and turn left onto Douglas Blvd.   At Auburn-Folsom Road, turn right and drive carefully through the construction occurring on that road until you reach the stoplight at Folsom Dam Road (which is BEFORE the new road that goes in front of the dam) and turn left.

You will need to watch carefully for a large blue sign on the left side of the road:  titled RECLAMATION  - etc.--- with a yellow sign beneath that which says "Folsom Section Office - Gold Field District" and under that a blue sign that says "American River Water Education Center". That is where you turn left --- and park in the lot on the right, the Folsom Office parking lot. 


 PHOTOS From the Prehike