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Lupine and lichen in the Sierra foothills
Family-friendly. This field indicates the suitability of a route for children twelve years old and younger. It may also mention fun attractions for kids, any specific hazards such as cliffs, and multiuse trails where bike use is common.
Dog-friendly. This description lets you know if your pooch is welcome and under what rules (on-leash only, under strict voice command, etc.). Always have a leash with you.
Bike-friendly. Here you will find whether bikes are allowed, regulations on bike use, and any information relevant to biking on trails and paths.
Amenities. Park, recreation area, and other trail amenities can include features such as restrooms, picnic tables, drinking fountains, playgrounds, interpretive nature panels, and campgrounds, among others.
Contact/map. In this field, you will find the name of the route’s managing agency, which is the main contact for current trail conditions and further information that could affect your access to and enjoyment of the trails. Most agencies offer a downloadable map (often high quality); if no map is available online, it will be indicated here. See Trail and Park Management Agencies in the Resources section for website addresses and phone numbers.
GPS. The GPS coordinates for the main trailhead appear here in degrees and decimal minutes (based on WGS84 datum).
More key info. Here you’ll find information about whether a trail or park charges a fee or requires a permit, as well as hours of operation, seasonal closures, and anything else relevant to your ability to access and enjoy the trails.
GETTING THERE. Driving: This section provides directions to the trailhead from the nearest town, freeway exit, or major road intersection and gives details on parking. (Note: There are often multiple ways to access trailheads, especially in Sacramento and the greater urban area, depending on where you are driving from.) Transit: If public transportation serves the trailhead, you’ll find the agency and line number here as well as the bus stop closest to the trailhead.
HIKE OVERVIEW. The overview describes key features of the trail or park, including notable geographic details and history. This brief description can help you choose the best outing for you and your companions.
GET MOVING. This section, the longest of each destination, provides specific guidance on where to go on the trails and how to get there along with descriptions of what you might experience along the way.
GO FARTHER. Finally I offer suggestions, where applicable, for extending your hike, walk, or run on other paths within the park system or nearby.
PERMITS, REGULATIONS, AND PARK FEES
Some of the trails and parks in this book require an entrance fee, primarily those in the Sacramento Regional Park system, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, Auburn State Recreation Area, and Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park. Both the Sacramento Regional Park system and state parks sell annual passes that can save you a lot of money if you visit the parks more than a few times each year.
The information block at the beginning of each route description provides details of regulations governing dogs and trail use, restricted hours and dates, and whether or not an entrance fee or pass is required. Regulations can change; it’s always a good idea to check the managing agency’s website and call the main phone number if you have questions about current conditions and requirements.
ROAD AND TRAIL CONDITIONS
Trail conditions rarely change drastically from year to year. That said, the usability and accessibility of trails (and access roads to more remote trails) can change, especially after major weather events or during road construction work. Heavy rains can wash out sections of trail, and strong winds can blow large trees across trails. The same can happen to access roads, especially dirt roads. That’s why it’s always a good idea to check with the managing agency before heading out, particularly for the more remote trails like those in the foothills east of Sacramento.
Volunteer organizations play a big role in maintaining trails throughout the country, including in the Sacramento area. Consider joining one or more of these organizations and helping out on trail-maintenance days. See Trail and Conservation Organizations in the Resources section at the back of the book.
OUTDOOR ETHICS
Outdoor ethics means taking personal responsibility for minimizing your impact on the natural environment and leaving it as undisturbed as possible for others to enjoy, whether you frequent a remote trail or an urban path.
Pack it in, pack it out. Always take your own garbage with you when you leave and dispose of it properly or recycle or reuse it when possible. Extra points for packing out trash that others have left behind.
Safely dispose of human waste. Most parks have restrooms at the trailhead. If you have to relieve yourself out on the trail, stay well away (ideally 200 feet or more) from water sources, camps, and trails when you urinate; travel a minimum of 200 feet away from water and far from trails and campsites to defecate. If you need to defecate, dig a hole six to ten inches deep, preferably in forest duff, where the feces will decompose relatively rapidly. Bring a sealable plastic bag to pack out used toilet paper.
TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Enhance your wilderness experience and those of other park users by practicing basic rules of trail etiquette. The one underlying rule: be courteous and always use common sense.
Observe the right of way. In some parks hikers share the path with cyclists and equestrians. Hikers are more mobile and should move off the trail to let cyclists and equestrians pass.
Move aside for horses. When you meet people on horseback, step off the trail to the downhill side whenever possible. If you must go to the uphill side, crouch down so you do not tower above the horses. Speak to the riders in a calm and normal voice. If you brought your dog, keep it under firm control at your side.
Stay on the trail. Do not shortcut trail switchbacks or create new trails, both of which cause erosion and can require expensive and time-consuming repairs.
Young mallards in William Land Park (Trail 3)
Follow the rules. Each park has specific rules for what is and isn’t allowed. Make sure you read the rules, which are usually posted prominently at trailheads and often at various points in the park. Typical rules govern which types of users can use which trails.
Keep your dog under control. Many of us love to bring the pooch when we hike. Make sure dogs are allowed and that you follow all rules, including leash rules. Even if dogs are allowed off-leash, you should always have a leash with you in case you need to keep your dog at your side or away from other dogs, animals, or people. Be considerate of others who may not want to interact with your dog. Finally, bring poop bags to collect your dog’s droppings and make sure you dispose of them properly.
Avoid disturbing wildlife. Observe animals and birds from a distance. This not only increases your safety, it also allows critters to engage in normal behavior and not have to react to your presence.
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