Truckee group putting on guided hikes

By Barbara Barte Osborn, Sacramento Bee

Truckee’s Mountain Area Preservation organization is inviting the public to join its members on three guided hikes this summer — June 15, July 12 and Aug. 11.

The three- to five-hour hikes will explore some of the areas the group has helped preserve in the Truckee area.

The hikes are free for members. Non-members are asked to make a small donation of any amount, “which makes them a member,” said Alexis Ollar, Mountain Area Preservation’s executive director.

The grass-roots, nonprofit environmental organization formed in 1987 and has since worked with land trusts and others to keep many scenic meadows, valleys and ridges from development and accessible for the public.

The June 15 hike, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, will be to Lower Sagehen Creek.

A six-mile walk on flat terrain suitable for beginners, it will include woods and wildflower meadows near Sagehen Reservoir.

A moderate-level hike to Frog Lake Cliffs, near Castle Peak, will be from 9am to 2pm July 12.

It includes some steep forested climbs, wildflower meadows and panoramic views.

The last hike, an eight-mile moderate trek on Royal Gorge land, will be from 9am to 2pm Aug. 11.

The hike will involve a steep downslope to a small river crossing and a trek along the side of Palisade Peak.

Views will include Point Mariah and Devil’s Peak and spectacular overlooks of Royal Gorge land and the American River.

Hikers should bring water, lunch, hats and sunscreen.

To sign up for a hike, call (530) 582.6751 or email alexis@mapf.org.

More information on the hikes and parking directions are online.