FREE Self-Guided Hikes

Hike, stroll, meander or run. Self-guided hikes are for YOU! Explore the marked trails of Deer Creek Hills Preserve at your own speed Saturdays from February-May. This is the FINAL HIKE of spring season. We’re waiving the fees and this hike is completely FREE. Bring a friend, and a camera, to explore the trails and see the last of the wildflowers.

Visitors MUST:

1. Pre-register before 6pm on Friday and
2. Complete a liability waiver before arriving.

Donations are vital to maintaining the Preserve and offering public outings. Consider donating online or leaving a few bucks in the donation jar at the registration table.

There are 3 trail options:

• North Pond Loop — approximately 3 miles, mostly shaded. Can be started no later than 11:30am
• Two Ponds Loop — 4.5 miles, mostly in open skies. Can be started no later than 11:00am
• Barn Pond Loop — 6 miles, mixture of open skies and shaded woodland. Can be started no later than 10am.

We have put procedures and policies in place for the safety of the public, volunteers, and staff during the Coronavirus pandemic. We are only able to offer public hikes/rides and activities if all the following protocols are observed. Thank you for your cooperation.

Things to Know Before You Register:

• You must register by 6pm the evening prior and sign a liability waiver.
• The road to access Deer Creek Hills is not paved and requires crossing Crevis Creek. 4WD and higher clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in the spring when there is water in Crevis Creek, but are not required. Visitors who do not want to drive through the creek crossing may choose to park along the shoulder of Latrobe Road, cross on foot, and walk the remaining mile to the trailhead at Eagle Camp Corral. All properties before the creek crossing are private property. Please respect our neighbors. Do not cross gates or climb fences.
• All events are subject to weather conditions. Projected rain, high creek levels, or extremely muddy conditions on the Preserve may cancel the outing. We will do our best to notify registered guests the evening prior via email. In the case of inclement weather please check our online calendar for cancellation postings before you travel to the preserve.
• Gates open at 9am and close at 1pm.
• There is no running water on site. Arrive hydrated and bring plenty of drinking water. Porta-potties are available at the trailhead and serviced every Friday. Bring your own hand sanitizer. Leave No Trace Ethics; Pack It In – Pack It Out.

Before You Attend:

• Review the information on your confirmation email advising you of what to bring and how to prepare. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Wearing layers is recommended, wear sturdy closed-toed shoes, and bring a cell phone, snacks and plenty of water. SVC Staff working the event will exchange cell numbers with you prior to hiking out.
• If you have had any flu-like or COVID-19 symptoms, fever, or cough in the past 24 hours, or think you have been exposed to someone with the virus, please stay home and join us another time.
• Before leaving your home, take your temperature (must be less than 100.4º), and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
• Print and fill out the Liability Waiver (available here on our website) and bring it with you.

What to Leave Home:

• Mud and Dirt! Please clean boots, hooves, gear and all tires before coming to the preserve. Managing invasive species costs us thousands each year. Clean gear helps keep the preserve open for recreation.
• Animals. No dogs or pets allowed on the preserve, except working service dogs (please let us know when you register online and check in with a staff member upon your arrival)
• Drones or other remote-controlled gadgets
• Hunting and fishing gear
• Shovels or mining gear (unless tools were specifically requested for a volunteer project you signed up for)
• Dirt bikes and ATVs
• Cigarettes, e-cigarettes, lighters and matches. Smoking is strictly prohibited and fire is a major concern on the Preserve.

When You Check In:

• Have your completed Liability Waiver Form ready.
• All of our docents and staff wear face coverings when within 6 feet of others. Be prepared to cover your nose and mouth and give others space when checking in.
• Utilize our Boot Brush station to help prevent the introduction of invasive species.
• While on the trail, maintain at least a 6-foot distance from anyone not in your immediate household. Trails are marked. For your safety and to respect the Preserve, please do not venture off the marked trails. We suggest that if visitors choose to take rests or picnics, they do so just off of the trail on the most durable surfaces.

Resources:

• Directions to Deer Creek Hills Preserve
• Adult Release of Liability – please print, complete, and bring with you
• Minor Release of Liability – only required if you are chaperoning minors of which you are NOT a legal guardian
• Visitor FAQ
• Deer Creek Hills Preserve COVID 19 Safety Protocols

If you have additional questions about outings at Deer Creek Hills, please contact SVC Program Coordinator, Carly Amatisto at (916) 612-3719 or outreach@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org