Eldorado County
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Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park Eldorado County |
April 4, 2011
It's that time of year again, when I must search for new trails to explore
in the lowlands while waiting for the snow levels to recede in the high
country. I also feel the need to give my long-dormant winter legs
some serious exercise before leaving on a lengthy hiking trip in Utah just nine
days from now.
This is one of the few sunny days I have enjoyed this year.
Temperatures will reach the mid-seventies today —
a bit warm for hiking, but tolerable. Following the advice of a
guidebook, I drive south of the main trailhead to a parking area reputed
to be less popular with equestrians. In fact, there is not a horse
trailer to be seen here.
At the first trailhead
Birdhouses line the pathway
It appears that there will be little shade today on the trail.
Although I am trying to build up my vitamin-D level, I have brought
along my hat anyway. Some flowers are out already; but they are
mostly in bright sunlight, making them difficult to photograph.
Baby Blue Eyes
Fivespot
Half a mile into the walk, I encounter Haynes Creek. The water being unusually high for this time of year, there is no place to ford and remain dry. Three other hikers approach and promptly wade across the stream. Not wanting to soak my boots, I contemplate removing them to make a crossing. Perhaps I need a more lightweight pair for outings such as this.
Then I have a stroke of genius — I'll just drive back to the principal trailhead and proceed from there! And I do.
The others don't care about soaked boots
At the next trailhead, there is a variety of trails from which to
choose — mostly old roads. This area caters latgely
to equestrians, so the routes rate to be well-maintained and not
too steep. I opt for the one that will provide the greatest distance
on the planned loop — the Down and Up Trail.
There are horses out and about
South Fork of the American River
Eventually I approach the river. A signed detour leads me down to a nice little picnic area, where I uncharacteristically stop long enough to consume all of my trail mix.
Only the ducks know this trail
Having a table is great
After lunch, I have more route choices. I opt for the one that avoids the river bank, where numerous outhouses are in evidence. I commune with a ladybug for a time, and photograph one of the many daffodils that I have encountered. Apparently the horse set is partial to daffodils, for a patch of them has been planted at nearly every trail junction.
Tufted Poppy
Daffodil
Soon I approach the Cronan Ranch complex, which is not a ranch at all, but an old movie set constructed for Michael Landon Jr.'s film, Love Comes Softly.
The Cronan Ranch movie set
Inside the main building is an unexpected surprise.
The Hayduke Library is alive and well
From here I could simply follow the main road back to the trailhead; but of course that is not about to happen if there is any sort of attractive alternative. I head for the West Ridge Trail, which should provide some better scenery.
Above Cronan Ranch and the American River
Yes, this is much better. I'll stay up here as long as the trail allows it.
West Ridge Trail, looking north
Southard view
Parasailors frequent this place
I would have gotten a better photo of the fliers, but I am lacking a zoom lens today.
The ridge top takes me nearly all the way to the trailhead, and none too soon. It is becoming too warm for comfortable hiking.
§: This was a pleasant, albeit bland outing, suitable as an
early-season warmup.
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| Difficulty |  |
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| Solitude |  |
