Spring 2023 Trails Update

The new Sawmill Trail at Waddle Ranch.

After a wild winter, we know you must be itching to get out on the trails just as much as we are. With roughly twice as much snow as normal to melt, it’ll take a little longer to get on some of your favorites, but we do have some options for eager hikers, runners, and riders.

Both Elizabethtown Meadow Trail and Waddle Ranch’s trails are ready to go. Elizabethtown Meadow itself is green and gorgeous, and both properties are starting to see flowers emerge.

We also have some new trails for you to explore at Waddle Ranch, built in partnership with Truckee Trails Foundation. First up, the new Sawmill Trail parallels Sawmill Road, giving users a singletrack alternative between East Martis Creek Trail (which connects from Elizabethtown Meadow Trail) all the way up to Lake Ella. This roughly 3-mile trail offers a nice alternative to the dirt road with flowing turns and mellow grades.

Jumping off of Sawmill Trail, the new Lookout Trail is a quick ½-mile jaunt to the David Brown Overlook, offering views back into the Martis Valley and beyond.

Staff has been clearing down trees and repairing trails at Waddle Ranch.

Next up is Bill’s Trail, an alternative to the Matt’s Trail double track, connecting from Martis Creek Dam to Lake Ella, offering a more scenic option over 2.25 miles.

One thing to note – signage is not yet in place on these new trails, but a few phone apps like Trailforks, Fatmap, and Open Cycle Map can help you navigate.

Beyond these options, there’s still snow on most Land Trust trails. We expect south-facing trails like the new stretch of Donner Lake Rim Trail starting at Bermgarten Road, and Wendin Way Trail in Johnson Canyon to melt out next. Favorites like Lower Carpenter Valley have a ways to go still, and our Castle Valley and Royal Gorge trailheads up on Donner Summit are still under feet of snow.

If you do venture out on the trails in this beautiful weather, please be respectful of the trails and don’t widen them by trying to go around snow drifts or puddles. If things get too muddy, please turn around and come back another time.

As always, feel free to shoot us an email or give us a call at (530)582-4711 for the latest conditions, and we’ll see you on the trail!