Guided Vernal Pool Walks
at the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail
Come join us for walks at the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail led by trained naturalists! 
Saturday March 22nd, 9am
Saturday April5th, 9am
Saturday April 19th, 9am
Saturday May 3rd, 9am
Walks will begin at 9am at the Trailhead. The trailhead is located at the North Dam parking lot in Rancho Seco Recreation Area off Highway 104.
Rancho Seco Recreation Area is open daily from 7am-6pm and there is a $5 charge per vehicle.
More info on the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch trail is available here.
Directions to Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Trail Map for Rancho Seco 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. This terrace also offers dramatic views of extensive blue oak woodlands in the foothills and the far-off peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
When filled with water, vernal pools are crucial to the short life cycle of federally listed threatened and endangered species, such as the California Tiger Salamander, fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and Western spadefoot toad. In the spring, masses of flowering plants carpet the basins of these pools creating a sight not to be missed.
Vernal Pool walks will be led on Saturdays from mid-March through early May on the following dates 3/22, 4/5, 4/19 and 5/3. Participants will meet at the trailhead at 9am. Be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out! The trailhead is located at the North Dam parking lot in Rancho Seco Recreation Area off Highway 104.
Cosumnes River Preserve * 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt CA 95632
(916) 684-2816
info@cosumnes.org