Big Hill Preserve Near North Auburn Will Open November 4 With Nine Miles of Trails

NORTH AUBURN, Placer County — Placer County plans to open the new 531-acre Big Hill Preserve to the public on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following an October 29 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The county announcement describes more than nine miles of natural-surface trails, a trailhead, parking and restrooms. The preserve is located at 5349 Bell Road, Auburn, CA 95602 and is managed through a partnership with Placer Land Trust.

Access requires planning

Placer County’s visitor information page says Big Hill Preserve will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset, with Monday and Tuesday closed. Parking reservations are required for visitors arriving with vehicles, and reservations must be made through the county’s online system.

Dogs are not permitted

Unlike some other public parks, Big Hill Preserve prohibits dogs, including on-leash pets, to protect wildlife and habitat. Visitors should bring drinking water, use designated trails and be cautious around grazing livestock and potential electric fencing.

Another connection is planned, not finished

The county reports receiving a $500,000 Sierra Nevada Conservancy grant toward an approximately three-mile route connecting Big Hill to the existing Hidden Falls Regional Park trail network. The connection is expected in late 2027 and is not an open trail today.

Sources: Placer County — October 29 Ribbon Cutting and Big Hill Preserve Visitor Rules.

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