Get Outside

Hikes near Sac

Real hikes near Sacramento: Cosumnes River Preserve, Hidden Falls, Auburn's American River canyon and more, with difficulty ratings, drive times, and fees.

HikingEasy 20 min

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

Carmichael

Gentle nature trails along the American River Parkway with resident deer, wild turkeys, and a nature museum. Short, shaded, and ideal for families.

Fees: ~$10 parking

Best: Year-round

Has: restrooms · parking · nature_center · kid_friendly · more

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HikingEasy 20 min

Lake Natoma / Nimbus Flat

Rancho Cordova

Flat lakeside and paved bike-trail loops on Lake Natoma with calm water views. Connects into the wider Folsom trail network for as much or as little distance as you want.

Fees: ~$12 day-use

Best: Year-round

Has: restrooms · parking · paved_trail · river_access · more

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HikingEasy 30 min

Cosumnes River Preserve

Galt

Flat boardwalk and wetland loops through the last major valley-oak riparian forest in California. Sandhill cranes and migrating waterfowl in fall/winter; stroller- and kid-friendly.

Fees: Free

Best: Fall–Spring

Has: restrooms · parking · visitor_center · kid_friendly · more

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HikingHard 40 min

Auburn SRA – Confluence

Auburn

Steep canyon trails at the confluence of the North and Middle Forks of the American River. Big elevation, big views — a real workout with rafting and swimming access below.

Fees: $10 day-use

Best: Fall–Spring

Has: restrooms · parking · river_access · swimming · more

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HikingModerate 40 min

Lake Clementine Trail

Auburn

~4-mi out-and-back along the North Fork American River to Lake Clementine dam. Mostly shaded with a few cardio climbs and river swimming holes along the way.

Fees: $10 day-use

Best: Spring–Fall

Has: restrooms · parking · river_access · swimming · more

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HikingEasy 40 min

Quarry Road Trail

Auburn

Wide, mostly flat riverside path along the North Fork American River (~270 ft gain) with an old mine and waterfall around the 2.7-mi mark. Part of the Western States Trail. Dog- and bike-friendly.

Fees: $10 day-use (free roadside on Hwy 49)

Best: Fall–Spring

Has: restrooms · parking · river_access · waterfall · more

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HikingModerate 40 min

Rockville Hills Regional Park

Fairfield

Nearly 14 mi of blue-oak woodland trails with ponds, rock gardens, and an accessible loop option. Ranges from gentle to genuinely challenging rocky climbs.

Fees: $5 per person

Best: Fall–Spring

Has: restrooms · parking · pond · dog_friendly · more

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HikingModerate 45 min

Gold Bug Park & Mine

Placerville

Hillside trails wrapping a historic Gold Rush mine you can tour. Some climbing, plus gem panning and a blacksmith shop — history + hike in one stop.

Fees: Park/trail free; mine tour ~$12

Best: Spring–Fall

Has: restrooms · parking · historic · mine_tour · more

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HikingModerate 45 min

Hidden Falls Regional Park

Auburn

A trail network with waterfall overlooks and sturdy bridges, trails for multiple skill levels from short falls loops to 12-mi days. Weekend/holiday parking reservation required.

Fees: Reservation req. weekends/holidays (~$10); weekdays free

Best: Fall–Spring

Has: restrooms · parking · waterfall · dog_friendly · more

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HikingHard 45 min

Stebbins Cold Canyon

Winters

Steep switchbacks up to a ridgeline with sweeping Lake Berryessa views (~5-mi Annie's Loop). Largely exposed since the fire — bring plenty of water; watch for rattlesnakes and poison oak.

Fees: Free (donation requested)

Best: Oct–April only

Has: parking · summit_views · dog_prohibited · strenuous

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HikingModerate 50 min

Codfish Creek Falls Trail

Colfax

~1.7-mi trail along the American River canyon to a 40-ft waterfall. The hike is easy-going but narrow; the access road is rough dirt — high-clearance vehicle strongly recommended.

Fees: Free (rough access road)

Best: Winter–Spring

Has: parking · waterfall · river_access · dog_friendly · more

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HikingModerate 50 min

Cronan Ranch Regional Trails

Pilot Hill

Rolling open-meadow trails (the "Windows wallpaper" hills) down to the South Fork American River. Little shade, some uphill; great in spring wildflower season.

Fees: Free

Best: Spring & Fall

Has: parking · river_access · dog_friendly · wildflowers · more

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HikingModerate 55 min

Sly Park / Jenkinson Lake

Pollock Pines

~8-mi shoreline loop around Jenkinson Lake with a waterfall about 3 mi in. Mostly gentle grade with a few narrow cliffside stretches. Camping and kayak rentals on site.

Fees: ~$12 day-use

Best: Spring–Fall

Has: restrooms · parking · waterfall · lake_access · more

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