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04/18/2020 8:30 am - 1:00 pm

Join Cosumnes River Preserve docents on a guided vernal pool and wildflower hike along Rancho Seco's Howard Ranch Trail!

This significant landscape is important because of the rare and unique landscape of vernal pools, which occur only in California's Mediterranean climate. These pools support flora and fauna that exist no where else in the world.

The guided hike takes you 2 miles into the nature area, stopping along the way to learn about the vernal pools and wildflowers scattered along the grassland. At this point, you can turn around to have completed a 4-mile total hike, or you can continue on with the docents to complete an additional 3 miles, totally in 7 miles once you return to your car.

Trail takes about 3.5-4 miles.

The majority of this trail is exposed to sunlight, so please dress accordingly and a sun hat and sunblock is encouraged.

Meet at the Rancho Seco Recrational Area trailhead located at 14960 Twin Cities Road, Herald, CA 95638.

PLEASE be aware that there is a $12 charge per vehicle and you must RSVP at the link below.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Related upcoming events

  • 04/13/2024 9:00 am - 04/13/2024 1:00 pm

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we are able to ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants that register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • 04/21/2024 9:00 am - 04/21/2024 1:00 pm

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancelations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • 04/28/2024 9:00 am - 04/28/2024 1:00 pm

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancelations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • 05/04/2024 9:00 am - 05/04/2024 1:00 pm

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

  • 05/11/2024 9:00 am - 05/11/2024 1:00 pm

    Come join us on a 4-mile walk along vernal pools at Rancho Seco Recreation Area with an optional extra 3-mile loop. Cosumnes River Preserve docents will lead the way on a trail through vernal pools, which are part of a mitigation site for SMUD. Docents will be able to share the history of the property with you and also help in identifying the flora and fauna observed during the hike. Participants of this hike may also encounter a landscape blanketed with wildflowers. Wildlife can be spotted along the trail, in the sky, and also in the vernal pools. This hike is a sight to see and highly recommended. This walk will cover a fairly flat elevation trail, which consists of a rocky uneven path. The trail does not offer much cover and will leave participants out in the elements. Please come prepared with water, snacks, sunscreen, a hat, and layered clothing. The hike is open to all ages, but all participants should be of good enough physical ability to walk 5 miles. Hikes will meet at the Howard Ranch Trail Head at 8:30 a.m. and will depart promptly at 9:00 a.m. Parking at Rancho Seco is $12 per vehicle and the hike is free of charge.

    All participants need to register on Eventbrite so that we can ensure that we have enough guides for each walk. Participants who register will be notified of any cancellations.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Vernal Pool and Wildflowers Guided Hike