Sacramento may be known for its buzzing city life and abundance of culture, but it’s also home to some amazing hiking trails. From gentle nature walks to strenuous mountain climbs, Sacramento offers something for everyone who loves spending time outdoors. So if you’re looking for a new and exciting hiking adventure, look no further than these 12 Top-Rated Hiking Trails near Sacramento, CA. However, some amazing trails that are a little further away, but worth the drive. Read on!
Best Hiking Trails Near Sacramento
1. Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, American River Parkway
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is a beautiful, long hiking trail located in the heart of the American River Parkway. This trail is named after Jedediah Strong Smith, who was the first American to explore and map the area in 1826.
The 32-mile trail winds its way through the entire length of the parkway and beyond to Beal’s Point, offering beautiful views of the river and the surrounding countryside. However, there are a number of access points along the way, so you can choose a shorter hike if you’re not up for a longer trek. In addition, there are informative panels along the trail that provide historical information about Jedediah Smith and his explorations in the area.
If you’re planning to spend the night here, Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail offers a number of excellent camping spots. I spent one night at the terminus at Beal’s Point, and I was really impressed with the view of the river and the stars.
The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail is a must-do for any serious hikers near Sacramento. It’s a beautiful, challenging trail that offers plenty of rewarding views. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as you’ll likely want to spend the entire day exploring this amazing trail.
2. Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park
If you’re looking for the best hikes near Sacramento, look no further than Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park. This park is located near the Gold Rush community of Coloma, just an hour’s drive from Sacramento.
The Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park is a 1,418-acre park that offers something for everyone. The park has over 12 miles of trails that wind through the hills and valleys, making it a great place for hikers of all abilities. The trails are well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great place for hikers with young children.
The most popular access point to the park is found off Highway 49, just east of the Cronan ranch. Here you’ll find a number of trails that will take you on a hike through the park. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great place for nature lovers. I saw everything from deer to hawks while hiking through the park. Overall, the park has something for everyone, with trails for all abilities and plenty of wildlife to see.
3. Gold Discovery Loop, Marshall Gold Discovery State Historic Park
Another of the best hiking trails near Sacramento is the Gold Discovery Loop in Coloma. This 2.5-mile loop offers hikers a chance to see the beautiful landscape that was the site of the first discovery of gold in California.
The trail starts at the visitor center and follows the route that James Marshall took when he discovered gold in the area in 1848. The trail is relatively flat, with a few moderate hills, and is a great option for hikers who want to see historical landmarks along the way. The trail is well-marked and easy to follow, making it a great option for hikers of all abilities.
The highlight of the trail is the gold discovery site, which is marked with a plaque. The area is also home to a number of historical buildings, which give hikers a chance to see what life was like in the area during the gold rush.
The trail also passes by several other historical landmarks, including the Coloma Cemetery and the Indian Grinding Rock. The trail is a great way to learn about California’s history and is a must-see for hikers visiting the area.
4. The Quarry Trail, Auburn State Recreation Area
Auburn State Recreation Area is one of the most popular outdoor recreation areas in California, and for a good reason. The area offers an amazing diversity of activities, including hiking, white-water rafting, gold panning, and camping. However, one of the most popular hiking trails is the Quarry Trail.
This 5.6-mile trail is a moderate hike that offers amazing views of the North Fork of the American River and the Auburn Valley. The trail is mostly flat, making it a great option for families or hikers looking for easy hiking. However, there are a few moderate hills, and the trail can get hot during the summer months, so make sure to pack plenty of water. In addition, the trail takes hikers past a number of abandoned quarries, which offer a unique look into the area’s mining history.
The Quarry Trail is a great option for hikers looking for an easy hike with some beautiful views. And if you’re in the area, be sure to check out some of the other great trails at Auburn State Recreation Area.
5. Mount Diablo Summit, Mount Diablo State Park
If you’re looking for a challenging hike, Mount Diablo Summit is a great option. Located in Mount Diablo State Park, the summit of Mount Diablo is the highest point in the Bay Area. At 3,849 feet, the summit offers amazing views of the surrounding area.
The hike to the summit of Mount Diablo is a strenuous one, but it’s well worth it for the views. The hike starts at Mitchell Canyon Staging Area and follows an 8-mile long trail to the summit. The trail is steep and strenuous, with a total elevation gain of 3000 feet.
The hike to the summit of this mountain is definitely not for beginners, but it’s a great challenge for experienced hikers. The summit offers amazing views of the surrounding area and is an experience you’ll never forget. So if you’re looking for a challenging hike near Sacramento, the summit of Mount Diablo is a great option.
6. River Walk Trail, Cosumnes River Preserve
The River Walk Trail in Cosumnes River Preserve is great for hikers and bird watchers alike. Located 30-mile away from Sacramento, this trail is great for families or hikers looking for an easy and relaxing hike.
The River Walk is a 3.5-mile trail that winds its way through the riparian habitat. The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for hikers of all abilities. The trail is also well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice for hikers with young children.
The highlight of the River Walk Trail is the beautiful views of the Cosumnes River as it winds its way through the preserve. The river is crystal clear, and the surrounding countryside is beautiful, making for a great hike on a warm day.
The River Walk Trail is also a great place to see birds, as the preserve is home to over 200 species. I had the opportunity to visit the preserve, and I was really impressed by the amount of wildlife. I saw everything from ducks and geese to eagles and hawks.
So if you’re looking for the best hiking trails near Sacramento that offer beautiful views and plenty of wildlife, the River Walk Trail is a great option. Make sure to bring binoculars and a camera, as you’ll likely want to take some pictures of the amazing views here.
7. Rubicon Trail, South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe is a great place for hikers, as it offers plenty of trails with varying levels of difficulty. The lake is also a great place to take in the natural beauty of the area and enjoy some amazing views.
One of the best trails in the area is the Rubicon Trail. The trail is four miles long, starting at D. L. Bliss State Park and ends at Emerald Bay State Park. The trail is considered to be moderately difficult, with a number of steep sections and rocky terrain. The trail is also narrow in many places, so hikers should use caution when traversing the trail.
Along the way, hikers will enjoy amazing views of Lake Tahoe and the surrounding mountains. The trail is also a great place to see wildflowers in the spring and summer, as well as fall colors in the autumn. And because it can be accessed from various points, it makes a great option for hikers of all abilities. However, due to the strenuous nature of the hike and the elevation gain, this trail is not recommended for beginners.
If you want to camp near the trail, there are a number of campgrounds dotted on the shores of South Lake Tahoe. And if you’re looking for something to do after your hike, the town of South Lake Tahoe offers plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you busy.
8. Western States Trail
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike, the Western States Trail is a great option. Located in the Sierra Nevada foothills east of Sacramento, this trail covers 100 miles. It beginsat Salt Lake City and ends at Sacramento. The trail is also known as the Western States Endurance Run, as it is the course of the annual ultramarathon race.
The Western States Trail is a strenuous hike, with over 40,000 feet of elevation gain. The trail is often very steep, making it challenging for even experienced hikers. The trail is also very exposed, making it a great choice for hikers who are looking for a challenge.
The Western States Trail is definitely not a hike for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking for a serious challenge, this is the trail for you. With beautiful scenery and plenty of elevation gain, this trail is one of the best hiking trails near Sacramento. Bring a lot of water and snacks, as this trail is sure to test your endurance.
9. Independence Trail, South Yuba River State Park
South Yuba River State Park is a great place to go hiking, especially if you’re looking for a more challenging hike. The park is located less than two hours drive from Sacramento and features a number of great hiking trails, making it a great place for hikers of all abilities.
One of the best trails in the park is the Independence Trail, which utilizes wooden flumes that were used to direct water in the Gold Rush era. The trail is a little over two miles long and offers a great challenge for hikers looking for a more challenging hike. The trail is also very scenic, as it winds its way through the park and offers beautiful views of the river and the surrounding areas.
Other trails in the park include the Point Defiance Loop Trail and the Buttermilk Bend Trail. Both of these trails are great options for hikers looking for a more moderate hike, as they are both relatively short and have a few hills.
In short, the park has something for everyone, from easy trails for beginners to more challenging trails for experienced hikers. So make sure to check out the park website for more information on the different trails in the park.
10. Cascade Canal Trail
If you’re looking for easy and relaxing hikes near Sacramento, the Cascade Canal Trail is a great option. This is an 8.6-mile long trail that runs parallels the old canal and provides hikers with great views of the surrounding countryside. In addition to the beautiful scenery, the Cascade Canal Trail is also a great place to see wildlife, as the area is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and birds.
The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for hikers of all abilities. The trail is also well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice for hikers with young children. However, the trail can be a bit muddy in some areas, so make sure to wear appropriate shoes. Note that it can get a bit hot during the summer, so make sure to bring plenty of water.
In general, the Cascade Canal Trail is a great option for hikers looking for an easy and relaxing hike. My experience here was great, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good hike near Sacramento.
11. Capitol Park Loop Trail
Another of the best hiking trails near Sacramento is the Capitol Park Loop Trail. This trail offers hikers a chance to explore the beautiful Capitol Park, which is located in downtown Sacramento.
The Capitol Park Loop Trail is a 1.1-mile trail that circles the park. The trail is relatively flat, making it a great option for hikers of all abilities. The trail is also well-maintained and easy to follow, making it a great choice for hikers with young children.
The highlight of the Capitol Park Loop Trail is the beautiful views of the State Capitol Building and the surrounding cityscape. The trail also offers access to a number of other attractions in Capitol Park, including the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Civil War Memorial Grove planted in 1897.
If you’re looking for a great trail to explore in downtown Sacramento, the Capitol Park Loop Trail is a great option. Hiking here is a great way to see the sights of Sacramento without having to deal with the traffic and noise of the city.
12. Alamere Falls Trail, Point Reyes National Seashore
The Alamere Falls Trail is a great option for hikers looking for a challenging and rewarding hike. Located in Point Reyes National Seashore, this trail is 13.8 miles long and has a total elevation gain of 1,995 feet.
The trail winds its way through Point Reyes National Seashore, offering beautiful views of the coastline and the surrounding hills. The trail is relatively difficult, with a lot of elevation gain and some steep sections. The highlight of the hike is the waterfall, which cascades down a rocky cliff into the ocean. And the view of the waterfall from the beach is definitely worth the hike.
Note that the trail is also very rocky and often wet, making it a challenging hike. However, the effort is definitely worth it once you reach the falls. The view of the waterfall from the beach is worth the hike. And I have to confess that this is definitely one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ever seen and is worth the challenging hike.
So, if you’re looking for a challenging but rewarding hike near Sacramento, the Alamere Falls Trail is a great option. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as it can be a tough hike. And be prepared for some spectacular views along the way.
Conclusion
There are plenty of great hiking trails near Sacramento, and these 12 are just a few of the best. Whether you’re looking for an easy and relaxing hike, a challenging hike with beautiful views, or a great place to see wildlife, these trails are sure to please. I hope you find it helpful and that you get to check out some of these amazing trails soon. Happy hiking!