Howard Ranch Tours
at the
Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail
Come join the Preserve for a series of spring guided walks featuring the magnificent vernal pool habitat along the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail. The hikes, which are led by Preserve naturalists, take visitors on a 7 mile trek through open grasslands where wildflowers carpet the landscapes.
Sunday, March 28 @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 11 @ 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, April 17 @ 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, April 25 @ 8:30 a.m.
Walks will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the trailhead. The trailhead is located at the North Dam parking lot in Rancho Seco Recreational Area off Highway 104/Twin Cities Road.
Rancho Seco Recreation Area is open daily from 7am-6pm and there is a $5 charge per vehicle.
More info on the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch trail is available here.
Directions to Rancho Seco Recreation Area
Trail Map for Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail
The 7-mile Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is a hiker’s paradise! The trail begins by winding around the north end of Rancho Seco Lake along willow scrub and riparian marsh habitat. As the trail leaves the water's edge, it travels up onto a flat terrace supporting a mosaic of vernal pools and grassland habitat. This terrace also offers dramatic views of extensive blue oak woodlands in the foothills and the far-off peaks of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
When filled with water, vernal pools are crucial to the short life cycle of federally listed threatened and endangered species, such as the California tiger salamander, fairy shrimp, tadpole shrimp, and Western spadefoot toad. In the spring, masses of flowering plants carpet the basins of these pools creating a sight not to be missed.
Be sure to mark your calendars so you don’t miss out! The trailhead is located at the North Dam parking lot in Rancho Seco Recreation Area off Highway 104.
Cosumnes River Preserve * 13501 Franklin Blvd. Galt CA 95632
(916) 684-2816
info@cosumnes.org