December 10
Today’s hike is at Magnolia Ranch. It is an area covered by a BLM and left us open space. We have 12 people joining us for today’s hike.
We start on what is known as the Gerle trail. It winds its way on a fairly level grade through foothill live Oaks.
We took a small side trail that led down to the shore of the American river. The water is very still today with a low flow and a low level.
We wind through a beautiful section full of moss covered rocks and a beautiful cedar Pines.
There is a beautiful creek along side of our trail. There is a stout foot bridge for the creek crossing.
From the bridge we join the sky ridge trail. The name is fitting as we will be on a steady uphill grade for about 1.4 miles climbing from 672’ to 1291’ in elevation. We are given wide open views of the surrounding hills. The parking area be started from is clearly visible.
Once at the top we are rewarded with a beautiful view of the river below and surrounding hills and valleys. It is a great lunch spot.
The trail continues along the top of the ridge line before dropping into the valley.
We wind back around below the hilltop we stopped at for lunch.
This portion of trail is mid slope and offers an occasional river view through the trees.
The toyon plant is also known as the Christmas Berry due to its dark green levees and red berries which come out doing the winter season.
Our trail is a figure eight. We pass through another pretty cedar grove before again crossing the bridge, which is the criss cross part of the shape.
We continue on the “connector trail” shortly arriving back at the parking area where we began.
Today’s hike was 6.7 miles with 1025 feet of elevation.
Today’s video
