Frequently Asked Questions

The official opening of Walk the Rancheria Grande trail is October 19, 2024. Check the calendar after this date to find openings for your personal unguided walk. Check the box for a guided tour if you have more than one car or family wanting to walk. Only very small groups are allowed to walk on their own. 

Your participation on this walk has many benefits. Not only will you experience what early people from thousands of years ago experienced walking the swales to the hilltop but we hope you will also gain a better appreciation for the people and history of this land. Please don't take artifacts from along the trail but do take photos of the trail, its plants, and its animals that you may encounter along your journey to remember your day!

Make sure that you have water, sun protection, good walking shoes, a snack, your phone, and a map from the trail head. Use the restroom at the trailhead before (or after) your journey instead of the countryside. Bring out what you take in. And, please remember not to take souvenirs other than photographs. 

First, be sure to follow the trail signs. STAY ON THE MARKED TRAIL. Some people miss the cutoff to the Alternate Swale, even though it is clearly marked. If you miss the cutoff, you can retrace your steps to it, or continue on through the marked meadow to the hikers' gate in the Baumann fence at the base of their hill. Look for signs along the way while checking your map from the trailhead. Use your phone to get a map of Cedar Hill Nature Preserve and use it to either proceed to the Baumann Village Site or return to your car. If you get hurt and need assistance, call 512-659-0308 or 512-740-8702 (Joyce Conner/Mike Conner). We will send a UTV to return you to the trailhead and, if necessary, have an emergency vehicle there to help you. If we don't answer and it is a real emergency call 911.