Acorn Creek Trail Run

The Acorn Creek Trail Run returns to Pilot Hill, California on October 24th, offering runners a unique opportunity to explore the pristine trails of Salmon Falls Ranch in support of environmental conservation efforts led by American River Conservancy.
Located just south of Pilot Hill along Salmon Falls Road, the race begins near the privately owned and maintained Acorn Creek Trailhead at Salmon Falls Ranch. The ranch is situated within the Gold Country foothills east of Folsom Lake, providing participants with a scenic backdrop that includes smooth trails, creek crossings, challenging climbs, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Since its inception in 2019 as part of broader environmental conservation efforts by American River Conservancy (ARC), this event has grown significantly each year. With over 50 miles of high-quality single-track trails available for runners to explore, Salmon Falls Ranch attracts a diverse group of athletes from across the region and beyond. The race not only serves as an athletic challenge but also supports ARC's mission by raising funds for trail work and maintenance in the Acorn Creek/Salmon Falls Ranch area.
The course at Salmon Falls Ranch features a mix of terrain including smooth trails, creek crossings, challenging climbs, and breathtaking views overlooking Folsom Lake. Runners start on Main Street near the Boneyard Trail Junction before heading down to begin their journey through the ranch's single-track network. The initial Orange loop is completed in a counter-clockwise direction, taking runners up Highline Trail and Creek to Peak Trail towards the Folsom Lake Overlook before descending Chaparral Trail. After Cowtown Trail leads them back onto Ranch Trail for an ascent via Cattle Chute Trail, participants continue through varied elevations until they reach the finish line at the start/finish area on Main Street.
On race morning in Pilot Hill, temperatures typically range between 9.5°C and 22.3°C with average wind speeds of 7.2 km/h and an expected humidity level around 56.8%. The chance of rainfall is minimal, averaging just 1.2mm throughout the day while providing approximately nine hours and thirty-one minutes of sunshine. Trail conditions are generally firm but can be slightly soft in spots.
The Acorn Creek Trail Run offers a Half Marathon (21.1K) at $80.00 per participant, as well as a 10K race covering 10 kilometers for $60.00 each. Both distances traverse the scenic Salmon Falls Ranch trails.