Our family is often on the Laguna Creek Trail (see my original post here), and there are lots of places to get on and off of this trail, located in Elk Grove, CA. For this post, I’m focusing on the part of the trail starting at Bond Road, immediately east of the California Family Fitness parking lot (8569 Bond Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95624, Google map here). This loop is just about three miles and is stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible.

Facing the front of the gym, walk to the far right of the building – look for the green dumpsters and playground inside a fence. The trail is immediately to the right. With you’re back to Bond Road, follow Laguna Creek Trail over the bridge to where the trail splits and then go left towards the Whitehouse Creek Trail. A part of this stretch goes through a neighborhood with sidewalks – just keep going straight until you see the a playground/MacDonald Park on your right, and you’ll see where the Whitehouse Creek Trail picks up next to it. Just past the playground, the trail crosses over the creek on your left. Once you’ve crossed over the creek, turn right to continue on the trail.

You will come upon Mix Park on your left, where we usually play on the playground for a bit. Continuing on, the Whitehouse Creek Trail dead ends at Springhurst Drive. Take a right onto the sidewalk to cross over the creek, and then cross W/N Camden Drive to get onto the Camden Greenbelt.This will put you onto a new part of the Laguna Creek Trail. Go straight on the trail until you come to Camden Lake, and then follow the trail to your right (with the lake on your left). Soon you’ll see the bridge on your left that will take you back to the parking lot.

Why we love it: It’s easy. You can see some wildlife (mostly geese, ducks, occasionally a hawk, turtle, or rabbit, etc.) and get in some miles without having to go very far. I love that it’s both stroller friendly and wheelchair accessible.

For the Young Ones (0-10): While the geese along this trail aren’t aggressive (they ignore you or walk away), by the lake you’ll want to watch out for their…ahem..excrement. This “kiddie” hike is great because you can break it up by stopping at one or two playgrounds, which little ones will always appreciate.

For the Big Kids (10+): Unless your big kids are game for a simple family walk, they’ll most likely be bored on this loop.

Keep in Mind:

• There are no bathrooms along these trails or at the parks. At Mix Park there is at least one trash can, but this may be the only place along the route.
• Joggers enjoy these trails so make sure to share the trails.
• Dogs are allowed on these trails, but must be on-leash.

Around the Area: Near California Family Fitness there are lots of places to grab a bite or treat. We usually use the bathrooms wherever we grab something to eat.

Difficulty Level: Beginner.