CRONIN RANCH -- LOOP HIKE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014
DIFFICULTY:
Moderate --- trail has lots of ups and downs, with only a short somewhat flat
section along the river.
ELEVATION: Lowest elevation -- 636 feet,
Highest elevation -- 1279 feet, Ascent -- 973 feet, Descent -- 982
feet
HIKE DISTANCE: 6.2 miles -- loop hike
GENERAL LOCATION: Off
Hwy. 49 between the towns of Cool and Coloma
DESCRIPTION: This is a
wonderful open terrain regional park, mostly foothill grasslands with some oak
and riparian woodlands. What makes it special are some highlights: the views
from a ridge trail, the walk along the South Fork of the American River (famous
for rafting and kayaking), and a movie-set. The set (see prehike photo) was
created for the movie Love Comes Softly. Another movie Memoirs of a Geisha
used the river landscape as a background for several scenes. Lunch will be at
some picnic tables alongside the river (see prehike photo).
Note: Although
this hike might seem "easy" at 6.2 miles, it is definitely an aerobic moderate
hike which will have you exercising your lung power!!
TRAVEL
TIME/DISTANCE: 25 miles one way and 50 minutes driving time. Return time to
Lincoln --- approximately 3:00 pm. A donation of $4 is suggested for riders.
Driving directions --- see below and please print before coming to the hike, if
driving.
HIKE LEADER: Sue Geisler SWEEP: TBD
SPECIAL
NOTES:
FACILITIES: One nonflush bathroom at the trailhead parking
lot. Also two portable bathrooms at the lunch area.
PREPARATION FOR
HIKE:
1) BRING A COPY OF YOUR ID (DRIVER'S LICENSE), HEALTH CARD, AND
AN 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 2 pairs of shoes, along with a plastic bag to
store your muddy/dusty boots after the hike.
4) Bring lunch, water,
and hiking boots. Trekking poles are recommended, but not required.
RISKS: The trails are quite dusty, in particular along the river
section --- and if there is rain before the hike, the trails could be very
muddy. There is poison oak but it is well off the trails.
RAIN
CANCELS THE HIKE --- BE SURE TO CHECK THE WEBSITE THE MORNING OF THE HIKE TO
DETERMINE STATUS OF THE HIKE.
QUESTIONS: Call Sue Geisler at (916)
408-1010.
MEETING TIME: 9:00 AM LEAVING TIME: 9:15 AM
PREHIKE PHOTOS DRIVING DIRECTIONS
|
