Cronan Ranch Hike

On a crisp, mild winter day (January 9th), Dick and I hiked the rolling hills of Cronan Ranch located in El Dorado County along the South Fork of the American River. Park access is off Hwy 49, several miles north of Coloma. Cronan Ranch consisting of approximately 1400 acres is developed with over 12 miles of hiking trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horse-back riders.

The terrain is very hilly and the primary vegetation are blue savannah oaks, foothill woodland, and riparian areas.

The ideal time to hike Cronan Ranch is the winter and early spring when the temperatures are mild and the vegetation turning green.

We hiked about 10 of the 12 mile trail system criss-crossing this stunning and beautiful piece of foothill open space.

Note: To enlarge photo, click on pic

From the high points, you get panoramic views of the American River and snow-capped Sierra Mountain range

From the steep trails are fine views of surrounding valleys dotted with ranches

Looking down on a lanquid pond and oak woodland hills

A dance platform? Kinda' rickety. An odd structure stuck on a hillside made for a good place to eat our lunch. Nice views of the open space.

A trail take you down to the American River. The South Fork is a popular white-water rafting river during the hot summers.

A drought year but fairly good flows

Neat boulders to climb along the river

Rocky rapids

No signage but this must be the remains of the old Cronan Ranch

Ye ol' ranch house

A view of the barn remains from inside the ranch house

The Long Valley Trail loops back to the trailhead

Mostly horse riders out on a beautiful day