Astronomy Tour

Join Deer Creek Hills’ docents for a guided tour under the stars at the darkest site in all of Sacramento County. Amateur astronomy has come a long way in the past few years. Prepare to be amazed!

On this night, see hundreds of thousands suns crowded into the Hercules Cluster. Marvel at the shimmering “Wild Duck” cluster. Spot NASA’s iconic “Pillars of Creation” in the Eagle Nebula.  Consider the existence of life in the spiral arms of the Andromeda Galaxy. You will travel through the black expanse of the night sky and waive hello to Jupiter and Saturn as you fly by.

Dress warmly, bring a chair or blanket, and binoculars if you have them. Only red flashlights. There is no running water on the property so be sure to bring water (hot cocoa encouraged), snacks, and hand-sanitizer. Children over ten years old are particularly welcome.

This annual event tends to reach capacity and sell out early. Register ASAP to reserve your spot. And if you are unable to attend, let us know so we can offer your spot to someone on the waitlist.

VISITORS MUST:

1. Pre-register and pay 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. If the fee is a burden please request a fee waiver by emailing info@sacramentovalleyconservancy.og.

We have put procedures and policies in place for the safety of the public, volunteers, and staff. We are only able to offer public outings 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, pay the $10 per adult fee, and sign a liability waiver. Registration fees are not refundable but can be transferred to a future outing if you contact us ahead of time. If you plan to attend 8 or more outings (rides or hikes) in the next 12 months, consider purchasing a Season Pass for $75. You will still need to register for each individual outing to reserve a spot.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 this Liability Waiver and bring it with you. It is recommended that your emergency contact not be someone who is attending with you, just in case you are both injured.

WHAT TO LEAVE HOME:

• Mud and Dirt! Please clean boots, 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.

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

CANCELLATION POLICY:

Rain, flooding on Latrobe Road, or unsafe air quality will close Deer Creek Hills. Registered hikers will be notified via email and given the option to transfer registration to any future outing that has not hit capacity, or donate fees to stewardship & trail maintenance projects on the Preserve. Registration payments are not refundable. If you have extenuating circumstances or are unable to attend, please contact us as soon as possible for assistance. Ticket transfer requests can be directed to Amy Rodrigues arodrigues@sacramentovalleyconservancy.org

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