Mather Vernal Pools guided walk

Friday, April 17, 9:30am-12pm

About the outing: The vernal pools at Mather Field are among the largest in our area. Seasonally there are patches of flowers including Downingia, Meadowfoam, Navarretia, Tidy-tips, Goldfields, Owl’s Clover, White-tipped Clover, Checkerbloom, Poppies and Lupines. The water level is variable from year to year depending on rain fall. This is a flat walk across a weedy field with neither trail nor shade. The walk is about 3.0 miles.

Once assembled we will head south along the road to a seasonal stream and then head west into the fields on a narrow path and make a wandering loop stopping at various pools and possibly a stream for about 2 hours.

Leader: email Nancy Dagle, nancykayaker@att.net for more information

What to bring: water, hat, snack, and weather protection.

Amenities on-site: There are no rest facilities. Closest are at Mather Lake Regional Park.

Waiver: sign upon arrival.
*We try to start walking promptly at start time.
*DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED AT MATHER VERNAL POOLS.

Meet up location:  Use the directions below or the google MAP.

Parking info: Parking is free, although parking is NOT FREE at Mather Lake Regional Park which if you need the closest rest facility. Bring your Sacramento County Park Pass if you wish to use the rest facilities there. The park entrance is about 150 yards south on Zinfandel Dr. after crossing Douglas Blvd.

Directions to Mather Vernal Pools from downtown Sacramento:
Note: If using Hwy 50 it is easier to take exit 17, Zinfandel Dr. and follow Zinfandel south all the way to the meeting location. But the directions below work for those coming from all directions.

– Take exit 17, Zinfandel Dr.
– Right unto Zinfandel
– South on Zinfandel crossing Douglas Rd. at 2.6 miles
– Continue on Zinfandel (Eagles Nest Road) another 1.4 miles to where the pavement turns to dirt.
– Meet near the kiosk about 150 yards south along the dirt road on your right.

If using Sunrise Blvd instead of Hwy 50
– South on Sunrise Blvd across Hwy 50 for 4.7 miles
– Right on Douglas Rd. which has a traffic signal for 1 mile.
– Left at the light onto Zinfandel Dr. for 1.4 miles to where to pavement ends.
– Meet near the kiosk about 150 yards south along the dirt road on your right.