This Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is for SHCC members, families, and friends  to enjoy Placer Land Trust’s Big Hill Preserves! These preserves protect critical unfragmented blue oak woodlands in the Raccoon Creek and Bear River watersheds and are part of one of the last relatively “wild” areas in western Placer County. The trails on these preserves meander past spectacular rock formations, the flowing Raccoon Creek, and panoramic views of the Sierra Nevada foothills and Sacramento Valley. The Preserves are currently private property and will be opening to the public in a year or more, but for this event we will have the place to ourselves! 

 

You are welcome to do any of the following:

1. Participate on a volunteer docent-guided hike. Placer Land Trust’s trained docents will lead you on a family-friendly hike through local natural wonders. Learn about the local flora and fauna, take in the amazing views, and see why this permanently protected preserve is a gift to current and future generations!  The hike is 4-5 miles and will take approximately 3-4 hours, and will begin at 8:30 a.m. It is an easy to moderate hike on uneven ground with some rough terrain and an elevation gain of around 500 ft. Suitable only for children 7 years and older. Participation in the hike is for a maximum of 20 people. 

 

2. Hike/run at your own pace. There are 6.5 miles of trails for you to pick from. You will receive a trail map when you arrive, and from there you are free to explore the beautiful preserves at your own pace!

 

3. Stay for lunch! If you would like to stay and picnic after you move around the preserve, you are welcome to do so until 1:00 p.m. Bring chairs, blanket, picnic items – due to fire concern, no BBQs, open flames, or ignition allowed.  

 

4. Other activities you might choose include:

• Photograph, paint, or draw in nature

• Do yoga or meditate by the creek, under a tree, or at a viewpoint

• Get creative!  

 

Please plan your day accordingly so that you are back to the parking area by 1pm. Gates close shortly thereafter. 

 

This is a rain or shine event so come prepared for the weather. 

 

What is not allowed at this event: 

 

Registration: 

• Deadline to sign up is 5 pm on Thursday prior to the event (unless the event fills first.) 

• Space is limited!  Please only register if you will be attending so that you don’t take a spot away from someone else. 

• YOU AND ANY GUESTS MUST ALL BE REGISTERED IN ORDER TO ATTEND

• If you signed up and can no longer attend, please contact Fabiola at fabiola@sachcc.org

Participants must sign a release of liability available here: Event Waiver
Please print and bring it with you the day of the event. One form per household. Parent signature is required for children under 18.

Important Note: The Big Hill Preserves, including the roads surrounding them, are not open to the public. Please help us respect the neighborhoods around these preserves by only visiting during scheduled guided activities that you are registered for. Trespassers will be prosecuted.