Get permission, but this hike is a rare gem

Mountain Secrets

By Tony Krizan

(Updated: Friday, April 18, 2008, 9:02 PM)

Searching for low elevation hiking areas during the winter months can sometimes be difficult, especially when one tries to combine areas that are not populated and offer a gain in elevation.

Recently the Sierra Foothill Conservancy opened up, by appointment only, 2,960 acres of range land with elevations from 800 to 1,800 feet.

It is called the McKenzie Preserve located on the north side of Auberry Road just below Prather.

A few weeks ago the local Sierra Hiking Senior group received permission to preview this newly established area.

Our guide that set up this Monday morning hike was John Cameron, a qualified Sierra senior hiker.

We departed Oakhurst on Highway 41, drove through Coarsegold and past the 22-Mile House. We then continued on Highway 41 and turned left on Highway 145, then turned right on Road 206.

At Millerton Road, we turned left and drove past Table Mountain Casino.

About a half mile on the left is where the locked green gate to the trailhead is located.

The first three miles was hiking through the foothills with a slight elevation gain. The grass was green with patches of wildflowers filling in the hillside.

Part of this trail followed an old abandoned 20th century railroad spur. The final mile to the saddle was difficult as it skirted up and around the foothills.

Once on the top, we turned right and followed the crest until a large flat area appeared.

Throughout the entire area, the surface was dotted with volcanic rocks.

Millions of years ago this tabletop was the bottom of an inland sea. Volcanic disturbances and continental plate movements created these elevated flat or tabletops that we witness today. This area displayed vernal pools surrounded with yellow wildflowers called Gold Fields. Be sure to walk the table's perimeter for exciting views. Bring your camera as the views will be a nice addition to your photo collection.

We followed the same trail back down the mountain. But upon reaching Marker 19, we had a choice of return routes. Our original trail has a total distance of seven miles, and the alternate extends this hike to almost eight miles.

Total time for this hike will be just more than three hours. Whichever return trail you choose, thank the Sierra Foothill Conservancy for setting aside this historic hike for all to enjoy.

After reading their brochure, the Conservancy has two additional preserves set aside for our future enjoyment. One is called The Miller Preserve located on Black Mountain between Prather and Tollhouse. It has a total area of 992 acres.

The second is located on the side of Tivy Mountain near Piedra. In 1999 this preserve started with 40 acres and today it has expanded to 826.

For additional information, contact the Sierra Foothill Conservancy for reservations at their main office (559) 855-3473 or Mariposa office (209) 742-5556. Or write to them at: P.O. Box 529, Prather, CA. 93651.

Make time and enjoy some of our hidden secrets below the Sierra mountains.

See you on the trail!