Whether it’s coastal cliffs, tree-lined paths, or arid wilderness dotted with geological marvels, the Sacramento area offers some of the best hikes to explore the area. Grab your gear and tour these four breathtaking hikes that are easy to get to from Sacramento.
Auburn’s Quarry Trail
Explore the American River Canyon and California’s limestone mining past as you journey along the Quarry Trail in Auburn State Recreational Area. Catch glimpses of caves and remnants of mining on this family-friendly hike.
The trail is 3.5-miles one way of easily walkable surfaces, though the trip back does traverse rather steep grades. Much of the path is paved or worn level enough for strollers. Pick up the trail at the recreation area near the base of Auburn Dam and discover a picnic area about a mile in. The round trip hike typically takes a few hours.
Quarry Trailhead offers a small parking lot, and a $10 fee is required unless you have a California State Parks annual pass. The park is open year-round from 7 a.m. to sunset.
The Palomarin Trailhead
Head about two hours west to the coastal town of Bolinas and ramble down the Palomarin Trailhead. This iconic trailhead in the natural sanctuary of Point Reyes National Seashore features over five one-way miles of serene, wooded coastal forest, and breathtaking oceanside cliffs.
Backpack down to Wildcat Beach, and camp for the night or walk the sand for miles. Soak in the breeze or enjoy a picnic on the overlook bench about a mile from shore. Parking is always free. However, get there early for a good spot as the lot fills up fast.
Rockbound Pass
If you love hiking wide-open spaces, get lost in Desolation Wilderness on the Rockbound Pass, just over an hour east of Sacramento. Less crowded than many of the trails on the eastern side of the park, get ready to sweat with this serious gain in elevation — about 1,500 feet in fact.
Explore small-scale rock climbing over granite formations, or capture photos of colorful wildflowers as you scramble up this 5.5-mile, one-way hike. Gaze down at picturesque Doris Lake once you’re through the pass. Access the pass from Wrights Lake on the west side of the area and prepare to pay a small fee to park.
Cosumnes River Preserve
Just 20 miles south of Sacramento is a 50,000-acre nature preserve along the Cosumnes River. Take a jaunt through the park’s 11 miles of hiking trails with friends or enjoy a quiet, serene experience. Observe more than 250 species of birds and many four-legged creatures as they make their way through the sanctuary of the preserve.
Cosumnes River region offers routes for hikers of every skill level, such as the 3-mile River Walk Trail that runs along raised levees, where you’ll spot majestic valley oaks, journey through grassy savannas, and delight in flowering buttonbush.
These four hikes are just a quick rundown of some of the most breathtaking excursions in the Sacramento area. Discover them the next time the adventure bug hits you.
Image via Flickr by Ray Bouknight licensed via CC BY 2.0
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