Lately, we’ve been doing a lot of repeat hikes and walks on paved trails due to the weather. However, yesterday we did a real hike at Cronan Ranch in Pilot Hill, CA on the South Fork of the American River.

There were quite a few cars in the large parking lot for Cronan, but we had no trouble finding a spot. I ran in to use the bathroom real quickly and, I must say, it was very filthy. There was a pile of doggy poo bags in the corner for some reason and garbage all over the floor (no photo, don’t worry).

We set out, feeling very cold, and headed for the West Ridge Trail. This trail goes uphill for about the first half mile and that helped to warm us up. There were a few people out hiking, some with dogs, along the way.

The ranch is very scenic with lots of hills and lovely view points. We saw a large bird, I think it was a hawk, but I am probably wrong. 

There was some mud on the trail, but we were able to get through without getting our shoes wet.

We decided to take a side trail called the West Ravine Loop that goes out away from the river for about a mile and then it comes back to the West Ridge Trail.

Back to the West Ridge Trail, we moved upward again along the river, which we could hear but not see at first, but we caught sight of it briefly.

At this point of the hike, all of which was uphill, we encountered a group of trail runners that passed us and then stopped and we passed them and then they passed us again. They were mostly friendly. One guy was really funny both times he passed us.

We stopped at a scenic peak to eat lunch. This was the moment that the runners passed us the second time and the funny guy said, “Oh, great, you brought the food!” And he playfully reached for my sandwich.

Our plan was to do 8 miles, so we turned around 4.2 miles and began the downhill hike back toward the main area.

As usual, there were a lot of people hiking toward us as we returned. The park is dog friendly, so there were quite a few “four legged friends.” The park is also horse friendly, but we didn’t see as many equestrians as we have in the past.

There were some relics from mining days.

More scenic views.

Toward the end of the hike, we came a cross a miniature horse of some kind, and they let me take a photo.

All in all a great hike. The day warmed up as we walked and the atmosphere was lovely.