Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail
A 7-mile loop nature trail opened in June 2006 next to Rancho Seco Lake. The trail meanders through the ever-changing habitat of southeastern Sacramento County.
Vernal pool tours along Howard Ranch Trail
Trained naturalists are offering guided vernal pool walks this spring at the Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail.
Walks begin at 9 a.m. and will be held on the following Saturdays: March 22, April 5, April 19 and May 3.
The seven-mile Rancho Seco Howard Ranch Trail is a hiker's delight. When filled with water, vernal pools are crucial to the short life cycle of 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.
The guided tours begin at the trailhead in the north dam parking lot in the Rancho Seco Recreation Area off Highway 104. For more information, visit the Cosumnes River Preserve's Web site or call (916) 684-2816.
SMUD teams up with The Nature Conservancy
The nature trail is the product of a partnership between SMUD and The Nature Conservancy. The Nature Conservancy purchased 12,000 acres of the Howard Ranch in 1999 from the heirs of Charles Howard, owner of the famed racehorse Seabiscuit. The conservancy placed permanent protective restrictions on the property and resold the land to a local cattleman.
The conservancy hired the California Conservation Corps to construct the trail, gravel turnpike, bridges, and gates. SMUD provided road access to the trail and public parking at the trail head. Additionally, SMUD will maintain the trail.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service, part of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, purchased a conservation easement on over 5,000 acres of the Howard Ranch, with a focus on protecting threatened and endangered species.
What you'll see
Check out the vernal pools, seasonal wetlands that are ecological havens, as well as riparian and marsh habitat.
Take in the colorful flora and dramatic views of oak woodland habitat and the Sierra Nevada Mountains in the distance. Each season has unique beauty.
When to go
Winter and early spring
See the vernal pools where fairy shrimp and a variety of other aquatic animals use the pools to complete their short lifecycles. Vernal pools are crucial to the life cycle of federally listed threatened and endangered species, such as the California Tiger Salamander, vernal pool fairy shrimp, and vernal pool tadpole shrimp.
Late spring and summer
Following the rainy season, when the water evaporates, vivid floral displays spring up to carpet the ground. In the summer heat, the carpet turns to a golden brown.
Do's and don'ts
The Howard Ranch remains a working private cattle ranch, so please stick to the trail and leave the dogs and bikes at home.
What to bring
- Water
- A hat
- Sunscreen
Keep an eye out for ticks!
Hours and entry
Rancho Seco Recreational Area is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a $5 charge for each vehicle.