Cosumnes River Preserve

Hiking

Within the 50,000+ acres of the preserve, we have over 11 miles of pristine trail for you to hike. Some days you can walk for hours without spotting another human being, enjoying in your solitude the serene majesty of nature.

Wildlife

The preserve is home to more than 250 bird species, more than 40 fish species, and some 400+ plant species have been verified. Keep an eye out for Greater and Lesser Sandhill Cranes, Northern Pintail, Swainson’s Hawks, and Black-necked Stilts. Within the preserve you can see for yourself the rich variety of American wildlife.

Field Trips

We welcome group visits and school field trips, and have a training program and teaching materials available for schoolteachers — or you can take one of our volunteer-guided tours!

Upcoming Events

Feb

Guided Photography Tour

Expert advice from your guide will enable you to take the finest pictures of the flora and fauna that surrounds you

Feb

Ducks In Scopes

Don’t forget to stop by the Cosumnes River Preserve and check out “Ducks In Scopes”, where preserve docents have a row of scopes set up, some set lower to accommodate children.

Feb

Vernal Pool and Wildflower Hike at Howard Ranch Trail

The 7-mile Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is a hiker’s paradise! The trail begins by winding around the north end of Rancho Seco Lake along willow scrub and riparian marsh habitat. As the trail leaves the waters edge, it travels up onto a flat terrace supporting a mosaic of vernal pools and grassland habitat.

Mar

Guided Nature Walk

This is a leisurely walk on a trail that is unpaved in sections and paved in others. Our route will take us approximately three and a half miles, but participants who do not wish to walk that far may turn around at any time. Good family activity.

Mar

River Walk Birding Survey – Tour

Join well-known Audubon Society member, Jim Rowoth, as he ventures out on the Cosumnes River Preserve River Walk to survey birds of all species. The walk takes you through wetlands, riparian forest, grasslands, and to the Cosumnes River.

Mar

Vernal Pool and Wildflower Hike at Howard Ranch

The 7-mile Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is a hiker's paradise! The trail begins by winding around the north end of Rancho Seco Lake along willow scrub and riparian marsh habitat. As the trail leaves the waters edge, it travels up onto a flat terrace supporting a mosaic of vernal pools and grassland habitat.