Deer Creek Hills

Welcome

Deer Creek Hills Preserve is a 4,600-acre protected open space located in southeastern Sacramento County. Managed by the Sacramento Valley Conservancy, the preserve safeguards one of the largest remaining expanses of blue oak woodland, grassland, and riparian habitat in the region. The property supports a rich diversity of native wildlife and plants while protecting important watershed resources and scenic landscapes, and continues to serve as a working cattle ranch.

Unlike traditional public parks, Deer Creek Hills Preserve offers limited public access through scheduled hikes, horseback rides, mountain bike rides, educational programs, volunteer events, and special community activities. Visitors can experience rolling hills, seasonal wildflowers, abundant wildlife, and sweeping views while learning about local ecology, conservation, and land stewardship.

The Preserve was established through a collaborative conservation effort involving public agencies, conservation organizations, and community partners. Its initial 3,394 acres were purchased in 2002 by SVC in partnership with Sacramento County. The preserve's borders continued to expand through purchases of neighboring properties by the State, SVC, and the Motherlode Land Trust in 2004, 2013 and 2015. Today, the entire Preserve is managed by SVC and serves as a valuable resource for outdoor recreation, environmental education, habitat conservation, and scientific research, helping ensure these natural landscapes remain protected for future generations.

Note: While Deer Creek Hills is an operational preserve, not all areas are open to the public at all times. Please visit the Sacramento Valley Conservancy webpage for outings, hours and fees. 

Fast Facts

  • The property has over 4,600 acres of rangeland, oak woodlands, grasslands and seasonal creeks.
  • There are four trails of varying lengths to explore, totaling 14.5 miles. 
  • Pets are not allowed. There is no running water on site to fill waterbottles. Portapotties are available at the trailhead.
  • The Preserve provides habitat for native, migratory, and rare wildlife, including approximately 170 birds, 105 mammals, 58 amphibians and reptiles, and 5,000 insect species.
  • The cattle at Deer Creek Hills do more than graze: they help reduce wildfire fuel, control invasive grasses, and maintain the open grassland habitat that many native plants and wildlife depend on.
  • While Regional Parks is part co-owner of the Deer Creek Hills Preserve, Parks has entered into a Cooperative Management Agreement with the Sacramento Valley Conservancy (SVC), and SVC manages daily operations with input from the County.

How to Get There

Deer Creek Hills Preserve is located in Sacramento County, 8 miles south of US Highway 50 and the City of Folsom on the way to Lake Tahoe, just before you reach the El Dorado line. The Preserve wraps around the northern side of Rancho Murieta off Latrobe Road. Visit the SVC website for directions. 

​Activities:

The Sacramento Valley Conservancy runs a calendar of events for activities at Deer Creek Hills. Find out what's going on at Deer Creek Hills this month and what's coming up. Activities include:

  • Docent-guided outings
  • Hiking
  • Bird-watching
  • Horseback riding
  • Mountain biking

Hours and Fees:

Deer Creek Hills is an operational preserve; however, not all areas are always open to the public. Check with the Sacramento Valley Conservancy for how to sign up for a docent-led tour or open trail times, and find out about what other events are going on at the Preserve. Advance registration is typically required.

Picnics Allowed: Yes

Additional Information:

For more information, visit the Sacramento Valley Conservancy website.

Deer Creek Hills walking path with people on the path
Creek at Deer Creek Hills park
Deer Creek Hills Park