Cronan Ranch Trailhead Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

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Overview

Cronan Ranch Trailhead is located in Pilot Hill, California. The area contains 12 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, bird watching and other passive recreation. There is a wide variety of terrain to choose from, including gently sloped to challenging hills, oak woodland and gentle riverfront trails. Each season offers a diverse experience.

The land for Cronan Ranch and river trail corridor was purchased by the American River Conservancy, BLM and other partners over a period of 16 years and placed into public trust to be used for recreation and wildlife conservation. The purchase was made possible through generous donations by individuals, private foundations and government agencies, including the Wildlife Conservation Board and the California State Resources Agency.

Cronan Ranch connects with the South Fork American River corridor trail that runs from Greenwood Creek to Salmon Falls. For more information, see our South Fork American River webpage.

What you need to know:

• Cronan Ranch is a Day-Use area only. No overnight camping.
• Only non-motorized recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and other similar passive activities are allowed.
• Portions of this trail system border private property. Please respect the rights of private property owners by staying on designated routes at all times.
• Please be aware that there are mountain lions and rattlesnakes in the area.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Fuelwood cutting and collection is prohibited.
• A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for all commercial, organized groups, or competitive activities.

Helpful Links:

• Hiking on Public Lands
• E-Bikes on Public Lands

Hunting and Shooting Info - Cronan Ranch:

Firearms: The discharge of firearms is prohibited except in the course of licensed, in-season hunting activities. Hunting with rifles is prohibited within the Cronan Ranch Management Area during any season. Hunting weapons limited to bow and arrows, smooth bore shotguns and muzzleloaders. Muzzleloaders allowed only after fire season is declared over.

• No target shooting allowed.
• No hunting for bear, squirrels, rabbits, jackrabbits, waterfowl, furbearers, or non game species.
• Quail and Dove hunting during correct season.
• Deer hunting: Fall season - smooth bore shotgun and slugs only.
• Deer hunting: Summer season - bow & arrows only.
• Turkey hunting: Fall season - bow & arrows, smooth bore shotgun and shot shells only.
• Turkey hunting: No SPRING SEASON turkey hunting.

NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands.

FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."

More Helpful Links:

• Where to Shoot
• California Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California

Other BLM Trailheads:

• Magnolia Ranch Trailhead
• Greenwood Creek River Access

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Dave Moore Nature Area Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

What you need to know:

• Dave Moore Nature Area is a Day-Use area only. No overnight camping.
• No equestrian use on trail.
• CLOSED to all hunting and target shooting.
• Potable water is not available. Bring your own water.
• Please be aware that there are bobcats and rattlesnakes in the area.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Firewood cutting and collection is prohibited.
• A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for all commercial, organized groups, or competitive activities.
• Hiking on Public Lands

Overview

One of the main features of the BLM, Dave Moore Nature Area is a loop trail about a mile long which goes from the parking lot trail head to the South Fork American River and back again passing through several habitat types. Nestled in the heart of Gold Rush Country, the trail is lined with remnants from nearly 150 years ago when Chinese laborers channeled creek water by hand with pick and shovel for gold mining. Tailing piles from the Gold Rush period blanket the area which lend to the characteristic landscape that makes this area so unique.

As you travel along the Dave Moore Nature Trail you will encounter several natural features - most interesting is "Mushroom Rock" - two stacked granite boulders with a softer layer of decomposed granite in between that has been weathered by the river of the past.  Look for the tall Ponderosa pine trees too big in diameter to put your arms around.  And the majestic California Madrone tree in all it's awesome beauty is worth a stop to feel it's cooling smooth bark. Throughout the trail are hand made walls of lichen and moss covered rocks which guide your way to the South Fork American River -- your destination easily reached within a half mile from the parking lot trailhead.

After you explore the cooling rivers edge, you can return along the trail the same way you came or choose to take the lower loop back up to the parking area.  Within the half mile loop back you travel thru shaded riparian habitat and oak woodland.  You will encounter large Incense cedar trees towering above you, gigantic granite boulders three times your height in amazing configurations and sizes, and beautiful native wildflowers, shrubs and trees of the local area.  Listen as birds call out to alert your presence on the trail.  Enjoy being surprised by the lizard in the grass scurrying across to greet you.  And see if you can find what little treasures have been left behind....

Please read about Hiking on Public Lands

History

David Moore was born June 4, 1949 in Memphis, Tennessee and died August 13, 2001 in Calistoga, California.  He graduated from Calistoga High School in 1967.  After graduation, he entered the Navy and served for a term of four years, then attended Humboldt State University where he graduated in 1975.  For the next ten years, Moore was employed by the Bureau of Land Management as a Conservation Ranger.  He was stricken with multiple sclerosis at age 35 and forced to retire in 1987.

David Moore was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish, whitewater raft, and golf.  His disability brought to his co-workers such an awareness of the challenge faced by disabled persons that they developed a Nature Area along the South Fork of the American River near Coloma, California.

On June 4, 1994, National Trails Day and Moore's 46 birthday, the staff of the BLM Folsom Resource Area (aka Mother Lode Field Office) held a grand opening of the Nature Area, and dedicated it as the Dave Moore Nature Area.

A special thanks to Captain Frank Clark and his crew from the Growlsburg Conservation Camp and all the other individuals and groups who made this Nature Area possible.  We are sincerely grateful.

Also VISIT: South Fork American River webpage

Other BLM Trailheads:

• Cronan Ranch Trailhead
• Magnolia Ranch Trailhead

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Greenwood Creek River Access Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

The BLM, Greenwood Creek River Access location provides access to the South Fork of the American River. It serves as a take-out for the Coloma to Greenwood or "C to G" run and as a put-in for the lower Class III run of the South Fork American River. Greenwood Creek River Access has limited parking at this time. There is no fee for use and is available for non-commercial river access.

Greenwood Creek River Access has overflow parking at the Magnolia Ranch Trailhead parking lot. A trail connects you back to the Greenwood Creek River Access.

What you need to know:

• Greenwood Creek River Access is a Day-Use area only. No overnight camping.
• Portions of this trail system border private property. Please respect the rights of private property owners by staying on designated routes at all times.
• Please be aware that there are mountain lions and rattlesnakes in the area.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Fuelwood cutting and collection is prohibited.
• A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for all commercial, organized groups, or competitive activities.
• Pack it in - pack it out... and pack a little extra if you can. Help us keep this area clean.

Hunting and Shooting Info - Greenwood Creek River Access:

• No target shooting allowed
• No hunting for bear, squirrels, rabbits, jackrabbits, waterfowl, furbearers, or non game species

NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands.

FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."

Helpful Links:

• Where to Shoot
• California Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California

Also VISIT: South Fork American River webpage.

Other BLM Trailheads:

• Cronan Ranch Trailhead
• Magnolia Ranch Trailhead

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Magnolia Ranch Trailhead Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

The BLM, Magnolia Ranch Trailhead is located approximately five (5) miles north of the town of Coloma along Highway 49 and the South Fork of the American River. It is situated between the Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park and Greenwood Creek River Access on public lands.

The Magnolia Ranch Trailhead takes you along the 2.5 mile Gerle Loop Trail which is an easy to moderate, mostly flat trail across rolling hills and oak woodlands with scenic views and access to the American River. The Gerle Loop trail ties into a more extensive trail system west of Hastings Creek and leads you into the Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park.

What you need to know:

• Magnolia Ranch is a Day-Use area only. No overnight camping.
• Only non-motorized recreational activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and other similar passive activities are allowed.
• Portions of this trail system border private property. Please respect the rights of private property owners by staying on designated routes at all times.
• Please be aware that there are mountain lions and rattlesnakes in the area.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Fuelwood cutting and collection is prohibited.
• A Special Recreation Use Permit is required for all commercial, organized groups, or competitive activities.

Helpful Links:

• Hiking on Public Lands
• E-Bikes on Public Lands

Pack it in - pack it out... and pack a little extra if you can. Help us keep this area clean.

Hunting and Shooting Info - Magnolia Ranch:

• No target shooting allowed
• No hunting for bear, squirrels, rabbits, jackrabbits, waterfowl, furbearers, or non game species

NOTE: All California game species are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Rules, regulations, and seasons are controlled by CDFW, and it is the hunter's responsibility to verify and comply with proper species, seasons, zones, regulations, and legal location if hunting on public lands.

FGC 3004 — It is unlawful for any person to hunt or discharge while hunting, any firearm or other deadly weapon within 150 yards of any occupied dwelling house, residence, or other building or any barn or other outbuilding used in connection therewith. The 150 yard area is a "Safety Zone."

More Helpful Links:

• Where to Shoot
• California Department of Fish & Wildlife
• Hunting, Fishing and Recreational Shooting on Public Lands, BLM California

Also VISIT: South Fork American River webpage

Other BLM Trailheads:

• Cronan Ranch Trailhead
• Greenwood Creek River Access

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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Old Flume Trail Trailhead Facility

Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.

Overview

Between the towns of Placerville and Coloma along Highway 49, the Old Flume Trail offers access to the South Fork of the American River. The trail is wide and the terrain is not technically difficult as it heads down into the canyon from the parking lot. But the trail does drops rather steeply down an old existing road -- about 800 feet in less than a mile and leads to a quiet location just below Racehouse Bend rapid on the South Fork.

Please note: It may only take you a half hour to get down the trail, but be prepared for a steep and much longer walk back up. Give yourself a couple hours and take plenty of water.

 

What you need to know:

• Old Flume Trail is a Day-Use area only. No overnight camping.
• Closed to all hunting and target shooting.
• Please avoid parking outside the fence along the roadway.
• Portions of this trail system border private property. Please respect the rights of private property owners by staying on designated routes at all times.
• Fireworks are prohibited.
• Fuelwood cutting and collection is prohibited.

 

Helpful Links:

• Hiking on Public Lands
• E-Bikes on Public Lands

 

History

The Old Flume Trail crosses over a historic ditch which carried water from Chili Bar ten miles downstream to the town of Lotus. This flume was one of the largest ever built in El Dorado County at 153' high and 750' long. The property is now managed by the BLM after the American River Conservancy (ARC) acquired a land grant from Richard and Arlene Wilkinson in 1991.

Also VISIT: South Fork American River webpage

Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office

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