Hike Pepper Ranch Preserve
Details
Who: Public Invited
Activity Level: Leisure ~ Moderate
Skillset: Hiking unimproved trails
Details: ) Pepper Ranch is the largest of the Conservation Collier properties and was acquired in 2009. Most of the property is still grazed by cattle, but sections remain deeply wooded. It adjoins Lake Trafford and a covered pier into the lake is available near the Ranch Headquarters. The property is only available on selected weekends during season. For more details, see the link below.
We will meet at the Pepper Ranch Headquarter Building at 6315 Pepper Road, sign in as a group, and get a gate key number. There are restrooms and a water fountain near the headquarters but not by the parking lot for this event. We will then drive about three miles in a caravan on a well-graded dirt road to the parking lot for this event. We may see deer or cattle grazing in the pastures. If we get a lot of rain before the event, we may have to park along the road instead of the parking lot. We will then hike both the panther bicycle trail and the black bear hiking trails for a total of about 2.5 miles. We expect this hike to last about two hours. If you have the All Trails Hiking app, we will be doing a portion of the Pepper Ranch Preserve Loop. Our part of the hike is deeply wooded and is mostly in the shade. The ground is likely to be muddy in about 10% of the hike with the ground torn up by feral hogs and cows. Footing can be tricky in those sections. We will move at a leisurely pace throughout the hike to observe native plants and wildlife.
Afterwards, you may opt to go to Lozano’s Mexican Restaurant for lunch.
What to Bring: Two quarts of Water, Closed-toe Shoes, Hat, Long Pants, Long-Sleeve Shirt, Rain Gear, Insect Repellent and Sunscreen. Also, a snack or sack lunch if you don’t want to go to lunch at Lozano’s. Cameras and Binoculars are encouraged.
An RSVP is required for participation in all Alligator Amblers' activities. An RSVP ensures that there is space available for you. Those who have not responded will be turned away from the activity.