2008 Schedule
Day Hike April 26: Off Hwy 49 just North of Nevada City, Independence Trail provides wheelchair access to nearly five miles of the Yuba River Canyon. The trail features waterfalls, scenic vistas, and a gentle switchback descent to a lovely mountain stream. There are restrooms with full wheelchair access at several points along the trail. We will meet at the church at 9:00 am. Bring water and a snack. We will return by 1:00 pm.
Bike Ride May 10: Ride the American River Bike Trail from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery to Rancho Cordova’s Hagan Park. Meet at the fish hatchery at 10:30 am. Bring a picnic lunch and a well running bicycle with multiple speeds. The trail has many restrooms and water fountains. Total mileage= 14 miles round trip.
Day Hike May 24: Are you curious about the new access point to the American River Canyon from Maidu Dr. in south Auburn? Come take an easy hike along paved roads to see the newly re-routed river channel. Be aware, it’s all downhill on the way, but up hill on the way back. Meet at church at 9 a.m.
Kayaking June 7: Have you ever wanted to try kayaking? Here’s your chance. We will meet at the church at 9 am, then head for the CSUS Aquatics Center on Hazel Ave. There we can rent kayaks and explore Lake Natoma. There is a picnic area for lunch. Don’t forget the sunscreen.
Backpack June 28-29: We will leave the church at 7:30 am Saturday and drive 1 and a half hours to the trailhead. From there we will hike 3.4 miles to Penner Lake. The trail begins at 6670 ft. and ends at 6920 ft. with most of the 280 ft. gain in the last mile. We can hike to a number of other lakes and peaks from camp. Sunday we will hike out by noon and be home by 4 pm. This would be a great father/son (or daughter) backpacking trip.
Jr. Hi Retreat July 11-13: Just us and God. We’ll worship, reflect, and, oh yea, swim, fish, rock climb, and hike. It’s a short 1.5 mile hike in to Island Lake in the Grouse Ridge area. Be prepared to pitch a tent and pitch in with cooking.
Backpack July 23-27: Tuolumne Meadows and Yosemite's high country, traversed by the Tioga Road, offer some of the Sierra Nevada's most rugged, sublime views. At an elevation of 8,600 feet, it is the largest sub-alpine meadow in the Sierra Nevada. Join us for the wilderness experience of the year. Space is limited.
Mtn. Bike Ride August 2: We will ride eastward on the Pioneer Trail, which runs parallel to Highway 20, on the north side. the trail offers wooded singletrack riding with a moderate climb in the eastbound direction. It is marked with small diamond plaques on trees. Ride to White Cloud Campground and return, or continue eastward to Upper Pioneer Trail for a longer ride. Meet at the church at 9 am with bike, helmet, water and snacks.
Backpack August 23-24: An hour up I 80, this trip to Loch Leven Lakes begins at the Big Bend Ranger Station near Rainbow Lodge. The trail leads across the railroad tracks and quickly begins switchbacks that lead up two miles to the first lake. Even though we will be tempted to stop here we will continue another 0.4 miles to the second lake. Let’s resist the campsites here and go for the most scenic lake of all, High Loch Leven, another 1.1 miles (for a total of 3.5) where we find a boulder and conifer lined lake with an island just calling us to swim out and sunbathe.
Day Hike September 6: This 9 mile round trip hike on the Stevens Trail to the N. Fork American River is a moderate hike that crosses streams and wanders through oak woodlands before meeting a waterfall on the way to the river. The full distance is too much for little kids, but you can turn around at any time and still enjoy a great hike. Bring plenty of water. Meet at Parkside at 8 am.
Bike Ride September 21: Bring your bike to church. Be ready to roll after Sunday School. We'll hit the trail and stop for lunch along the way. Location TBA.
Backpack Oct. 10-12: Pt. Reyes National Seashore is a very popular backpacking location. We will drive over Friday afternoon and hike the Sky Trail from the visitor's center 2.5 miles to Mt. Wittenberg, at 1,200 ft, the highest point in the park. From there we will decend to Coast Camp, just a stone's throw from the beach. What a great way to spend the weekend (maximum: 8 due to wilderness permit)
