Here are 41 of the best hikes within an hour’s drive of Sacramento, California—from the crest of the Blue Ridge overlooking the Coast Ranges to the canyons of the American River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The hikes accommodate after-work escapes, lunchtime power walks, the marathoner’s workout, exercise for the cooped-up canine, and Sunday sunset meditations. Whether you're in the mood for an easy nature walk, a half-day hike, or an even longer trek, this guide offers plenty to choose from, including:
Gray Lodge Wildlife Area Empire Mine State Historic Park Rush Ranch Deer Creek Hills Preserve Hidden Falls Regional Park Olmstead Loop in the Auburn State Recreation Area
Each hike features full-color photos; a brief route description; thorough directions to the trailhead (GPS coordinates included); adetailed, full-color trail map; and at-a-glance information on distance and difficulty level, hiking time, canine compatibility, and fees and permits. Inside you’ll also find a Trail Finder that categorizes each hike (e.g., for attractions such as views, and if it’s suitable for families with kids); Green Tips; and information about local lore, points of interest, and the area’s wildlife.
Acknowledgments 1
Introduction 2
How to Use This Guide 9
Trail Finder 11
Map Legend 14
Sacramento Metro Area 15
1 Old Sacramento and Waterfront Promenade 17
2 Capitol Mall and Capitol Park 22
3 William Land Park Tour 27
4 Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail/Discovery Park 32
5 Sacramento Northern Rail-Trail 38
6 Gibson Ranch Loop Trail 44
7 Effie Yeaw Nature Loop 49
8 Miners Ravine Nature Reserve 54
9 Lake Natoma Loop 58
10 Beeks Bight Nature Trail at Dotons Point 66
11 Sterling Pointe to Rattlesnake Bar 70
12 Sweetwater Trail 76
13 Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Loop 82
14 Mather Nature Loops 88
Honorable Mention
Maidu Regional Park 92
North Valley 93
15 Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary 95
16 Shingle Falls 101
17 Gray Lodge Wildlife Area 107
18 Empire Mine State Historic Park 113
Honorable Mentions
Sutter Buttes 121
Malakof Diggins State Historic Park 121
West Valley 122
19 Putah Creek Loop Trail 124
20 UC Davis Arboretum Trail 128
21 Covell Greenbelt 134
22 Rush Ranch 139
23 Howard Slough at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area 146
24 Rockville Hills Regional Park 152
25 Homestead and Blue Ridge Loop (Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve) 158
South Valley 165
26 Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge 167
27 Delta Meadows River Park 171
28 Deer Creek Hills Preserve 176
29 Cosumnes River Walk 182
30 Howard Ranch Trail 188
31 Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park 194
32 China Gulch Trail 200
Foothills 205
33 Hidden Falls Regional Park 207
34 Mountain Quarry Railroad Trail 214
35 Lake Clementine Trail 220
36 Olmstead Loop 225
37 Codfish Falls 232
38 Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park Loop 237
39 Dave Moore Nature Trail 242
40 Monroe Ridge/Marshall Monument Trail Loop 246
41 Jenkinson Lake Loop 252
Honorable Mention
Other Trails in the Auburn State Recreation Area 259
Be Prepared 260
Organizations, Hiking Clubs, and Other Associations 261
Further Reading 263
Index 264
About the Author 265
Overview
Who says you have to travel far from home to go on a great hike?
Here are 41 of the best hikes within an hour’s drive of Sacramento, California—from the crest of the Blue Ridge overlooking the Coast Ranges to the canyons of the American River in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The hikes accommodate after-work escapes, lunchtime power walks, the marathoner’s workout, exercise for the cooped-up canine, and Sunday sunset ...