Acorn Creek Trail Run

About American River Conservancy

ARC is a non-profit environmental organization that preserves healthy ecosystems in the upper American River and upper Cosumnes River watersheds through land conservation, stewardship, and education. Since 1989, ARC has completed more than 90 conservation projects and contributed over 35 miles of trails, while safeguarding over 30,000 acres of native fisheries, endangered species habitat, agricultural lands, cultural resources, and recreational landscapes. ARC offers public hikes, hands-on workshops, community events, and environmental education programs for people of all ages. For more information about us and how you can support ARC, please visit https://www.arconservancy.org/

Course Description

The Acorn Creek Trail Run will showcase some of the best and newest trails that the Gold Country foothills east of Folsom Lake has to offer. The race begins near the Acorn Creek Trailhead in the Salmon Falls Ranch, just off of Salmon Falls Road just south of Pilot Hill, CA. The Acorn Creek Trailhead at Salmon Falls Ranch is privately owned and maintained by the American River Conservancy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit conservation organization. This event is directed by the Bizz Running Company and is a fundraiser for the American River Conservancy. Proceeds from this race directly support trail work and maintenance in the Acorn Creek/Salmon Falls Ranch area. Salmon Falls Ranch is home to miles of high-quality single-track trails, attracting mountain bikers and runners alike, and consists of smooth trails, creek crossings, challenging climbs, and amazing views. Our course incorporates all of these stunning characteristics. The 10K (10.5K) is one lap of the complete course and the Half marathon consists of 2 laps, coming through the start line after the first lap and continuing for a second lap. The Start/Finish line is on Main Street near the Boneyard Trail Junction and the cattle loading dock. After heading down Main Street (the old ranch road) for 1/2 mile, the runners make a sharp right and enter singletrack. The initial Orange loop is completed in a counter-clockwise direction and includes climbing Highline Trail and Creek to Peak Trail to the Folsom Lake Overlook before descending Chaparral Trail. The course continues over Cowtown Trail to Highline trail to begin the clockwise Blue loop climb up Cattle Chute Trail. Once runners reach the Ranch Trail intersection, they continue right on Ranch Trail until descending Sidewinder Trail until reaching the Start/Finish line. After running through the finish line for a split time, half marathon runners will head out for a repeat of the first lap This race is limited to 175 participants.

Packet Pick Up

There will be two opportunities to pick up your race packet: Date/Time/Location: #1 Friday, October 23, 2026 3 PM to 7 PM Gold Country Run + Sport 4370 Town Center Blvd #150, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762 #2 Race Day, October 24 At Race Start Area 6:00 AM - 7:45 AM (half marathon) 6:00 AM to 8:15 AM (10K) Runners may pick up a friend's race packet provided they show a printed or screenshot confirmation of the friend's race entry.

Parking and Shuttle

Parking at Acorn Creek Trailhead is limited to 50 vehicles. 50 Priority Parking passes will be sold as a first come/first-served add-on to registration. Carpooling is necessary!! Additional parking will be available at Salmon Falls- Sweetwater Trailhead parking lot on the south side of the Old Salmon Falls bridge. A free shuttle, provided by South Fork Arts and Recreation's Coloma Shuttle, will be available to transport runners from the parking lot to the race venue, but you must have a Poppy Pass or purchase a day use vehicle pass to park at Sweetwater Trailhead! The Shuttle will run from 6:00 AM until 8:00 AM (approximately every 15 minutes) to get runners to the race start. A return shuttle will begin at 9:30 AM and will run until1:30 PM. Please allow plenty of time for pickup, drop-off, and short walk to the start. Please carpool!!

Aid Stations

Aid Station #1 (Mile 2.14 and 8.7) is located on the Orange loop at the Folsom Lake Overlook at the top of the Creek to Peak Climb. This aid station will offer fruit, sweet and salty snacks, gels, and water / electolyte hydration. Aid Station #2 is located between the Blue loop for runners beginning the climb up Cattle Chute (Mile 5.26 and 11.81) and the Orange Loop (Mile 6.55) for the half marathon runners before they head out for the second lap. Since it will be centered between 2 trails, it will be accessible from both sides. It will have a variety of fruit, sweet and salty snacks, gels, and both water and electrolyte.

Maps and Elevation

The half marathon is 2 laps. Half marathon will run through the start/finish line at the end of Lap 1 to receive a checkpoint split time. The (heavy) 10K is 1 lap.

Timing and Awards

This race will be chip-timed. Bibs must be worn on the FRONT, outermost layer of clothing. Awards for each distance will be given to the top 3 overall winners M/F/NB. Age Group awards will go to the top winner in 10-year age categories.

Swag

Runners will receive a custom t-shirt and race medal. Runners will also receive a coupon for in-store shopping at Gold Country Run+ Sport

Sponsors

Leasure Group Gold Country Run+ Sport Lecka Energy Gel Superieur Electrolytes