With so many heavenly hiking destinations to choose from, it’s next to impossible to decide which one to explore next! That’s where we come in. If you have yet to witness the pristine beauty of Deer Creek Hills Preserve, then definitely be sure to add it to your list. It’s one of the largest nature preserves in the Sacramento region and its sweeping landscape is simply divine. Here’s what you need to know about visiting it:
Located in eastern Sacramento County, Deer Creek Hills Preserve is an idyllic landscape consisting of grasslands, woodlands, and seasonal creeks. It's a beautiful place to explore, but there are some things you should know before you plan to hit the road.
The preserve is a working cattle ranch, and only portions of it are open to the general public. Typically, the preserve is open for public hiking on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. from February through May and October through November.
On these select days, hikers are welcome to explore the preserve's three marked trails. The trails are multi-use and commonly used for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and even horseback riding. It's free to take on a self-guided Saturday hike, but a suggested donation of $10 per visitor is more than welcome.
The self-guided hikes are a great way to explore this heavenly nature preserve. Keep in mind that pre-registration is required. This simply involves heading over to the preserve's Events Calendar and signing up for the outing you'd like to attend.
For a chance to see parts of the preserve that aren't available on the self-guided hikes, you can join one of the preserve's guided educational hikes! These hikes are led by volunteer docents and are great for learning about the area's botany, geology, history, and wildlife.
If you're a mountain biker, you'll be happy to know that the preserve hosts Monday Night Rides from July through October. These rides are also free, and they challenge riders across a variety of single-track trails and ranch roads. Educational bike tours are also offered, usually on the third Saturday of the month.
Visiting Deer Creek Hills Preserve does require a bit of extra planning, but it's all worth it to enjoy sights like this one! Learn more about this amazing preserve and how you can visit it at their website.
