We stopped by Cronan Ranch Regional Trails on Christmas morning. It had been a while since I deliberately ran on trails. Why? During marathon training, I decided to limit trail runs. I’m convinced that running too many 2000+ foot climbs led to my hamstring injury in 2023. So, I held off on any intense trail runs until after the California International Marathon.
Cronan Ranch Regional Trailhead Address:
5152 Hillsdale Cir, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
About Cronan Ranch Regional Trails
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park, located in Pilot Hill, California, is just under an hour from Sacramento. The park boasts 12 miles of scenic trails ideal for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Whether you’re drawn to the views, the peaceful riverside, or a bit of Hollywood nostalgia, Cronan Ranch has something for everyone.
The land, originally part of Bacchi Ranch, was sold in 2004 to create the park. However, the Bacchi family still operates nearby. The park borders the South Fork American River and is renowned for its rolling hills, oak woodlands, and expansive open spaces.
Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Quick Facts
- Location: Pilot Hill, CA (near Coloma)
- Trails: 12 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding
- Admission: Free
- Dogs: Allowed (on leash)
- Elevation: 600-1000 feet depending on the loop
- Best Time to Visit: Fall through spring
- Strava
My Experience at Cronan Ranch
Gear Used:
- Shoes: Hoka Tecton X2 Shoe Review
- Hydration: UCAN Energy Powder
Before heading out, I briefly checked the Cronan Ranch Regional Trailhead map, but I didn’t have a set route in mind. The “Up and Down Trail” caught my attention. I started on the loop but somehow veered off track. For a moment, I panicked, thinking I was heading down the wrong side of the mountain, so I backtracked. In the end, I covered 10 miles with about 1600 feet of elevation gain. You can probably get away with road shoes here, but there are some muddy spots in the winter that trail shoes would be better so you don’t lose traction. You do need some sort of high cushioned shoe though.
My husband and I wanted a spot where he could mountain bike while I ran. Cronan Ranch seemed like the perfect choice. We arrived at 8:30 AM on Christmas morning to find only about five cars in the parking lot. By the time we left at 11, the lot was packed. If you plan to visit, I recommend arriving early! The trails are shared with walkers, hikers, runners, bikers, and even horseback riders, so stay alert and respectful of others.
Since it was the rainy season, parts of the trail were muddy but manageable. As the name suggests, the “Up and Down Trail” lives up to its reputation. It’s a relentless rollercoaster of climbs and descents, and by the end, I was wiped out. The low fog added an eerie, cool vibe to the run. Despite the challenging terrain, I felt safe because of the number of people out and about. Most of the trails are open, with only a few stretches disappearing into wooded areas. This means limited shade, so bring water and be prepared for the elements. There is a combination of wider trails and singletrack so you can pick your adventure. I saw many more people on the wider pieces.
The one thing I do caution you though, is there are a lot of unleashed dogs on the trails. Even though it says leashes required, I encountered somewhere around 10-15 dogs that were not leashed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a great spot to run, hike, bike, or ride horses, Cronan Ranch Regional Trails is an excellent option near Pilot Hill. It’s well-maintained, scenic, and offers plenty of variety. Just be prepared for some climbing and potential mud, especially during the rainy season. We’ll definitely be back for more adventures!
Who should go to Cronan Ranch Regional Trails:
- Anyone looking for good trails to hike, bike, run, or ride horses
- Anyone looking to get some vert
Who should not go to Cronan Ranch Regional Trails
- If you are looking for a flat place to walk
- If you’re looking for somewhere “woodsy”
- If you are afraid of horses or dogs
You can see more trail runs and hikes here.
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Question for you: How were your holidays?