What Does Big Hill Preserve Mean for Auburn Homes for Sale?
Quick Summary
- Big Hill Preserve adds 531 acres of permanently protected land and more than nine miles of trails off Bell Road, giving homes nearby a protected landscape and new trail access next door.
- The preserve opens November 4, 2026. Parking reservations are required Wednesday through Sunday, it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, and dogs are not allowed.
- A connector trail to Hidden Falls Regional Park is expected to open in late 2027.
- Nicole Spencer - GUIDE Real Estate has worked on the Big Hill project with Placer Land Trust for more than 10 years.
By Nicole Spencer
Big Hill Preserve means homes near Auburn now border 531 acres of permanently protected land and nine miles of new trails, opening to the public on November 4. At Nicole Spencer - GUIDE Real Estate, I help clients buy and sell Auburn homes for sale across the foothills, and I’ve been looking forward to this opening for a long time. For the past 10 years, I’ve worked on the Big Hill Preserve project with Placer Land Trust. Here is how to visit, what the trails offer, and what comes next.
When Does Big Hill Preserve Open, and How Do You Reserve Parking?
Big Hill Preserve opens November 4, 2026, at 5349 Bell Road in Auburn. Placer County requires a parking reservation for every visit, Wednesday through Sunday, and the preserve is closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Hours run from a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset. Dogs are not allowed.
A few things to know before your first trip:
- When you book, choose the “Big Hill- Bell Road Parking” option. Hidden Falls’ main entrance on Mears Place uses its own reservations.
- Trails are natural surfaces and steep in spots, and cell service is limited.
- Poison oak is common along the trails, so stay on the designated paths.
Trail maps, FAQs, and the reservation link are on the county’sBig Hill Preserve visitor guide.
What Can You Do on the Trails at Big Hill Preserve?
The preserve has more than nine miles of natural-surface trails open to hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. The trails wind through oak woodlands with views of the Sierra Nevada foothills, and a lookout platform overlooks Raccoon Creek. The new trailhead includes a parking area, restrooms, and amenities for equestrians.
For the last few years, I've had the honor of leading private horseback rides and hikes on these trails ahead of the opening. Those outings helped break in the trails and gave the team feedback on how they rode and walked. Seeing them open to everyone is a proud moment.
Because the trailhead was built with riders in mind, local equestrians now have another place to ride close to home. If you're comparing horse properties in the foothills, I recommend weighing nearby trail access alongside acreage, fencing, and water.
Why Does Placer Land Trust's Work Matter for Auburn Homes for Sale?
Placer Land Trust owns Big Hill Preserve and protects it permanently, so its oak woodlands and trails off Bell Road will stay open space. For buyers looking at a home nearby, that means a protected landscape next door. The trust cares for the land and partners with Placer County to manage public access.
Placer Land Trust works with willing landowners and conservation partners to “permanently protect and care for natural and agricultural lands in Placer County” for current and future generations. The trust has been protecting land between the Bear River and Raccoon Creek watersheds since 2007.
A connector trail to Hidden Falls Regional Park is also in the works, with three small bridges expected to open in late 2027. Once linked, the two areas will total about 1,800 acres and more than 40 miles of trails.
A huge thank you to the Placer Land Trust team and Placer County for the years of work behind this opening. I volunteer with the trust because I believe protected land is part of what makes the foothills special. When I talk with clients about country properties and Auburn real estate, the open space around a property is part of that conversation.
How Can a Top Realtor Help You Find Homes Near Big Hill?
A top realtor in Auburn who knows the foothill trails can point you to Auburn homes for sale near Big Hill and Hidden Falls. That agent should also explain how acreage, zoning, and road access shape daily life on a property. I've lived in the Sierra Foothills since 2003, so these roads and trailheads are familiar ground.
I hope to see you on the trails this month. When you're ready to find a home close to them, connect with Nicole Spencer - GUIDE Real Estate, your top realtor in Auburn.
About the Author
Nicole Spencer is a REALTOR® with GUIDE Real Estate and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist, licensed since 2016 (CA DRE #02008447). She has lived in the Sierra Foothills since 2003 and volunteers with Placer Land Trust and the Nevada County Sheriff's HEART team. Nicole helps buyers and sellers with equestrian estates, rural acreage, and family homes across Placer and Nevada counties.
