Why we love it: So much beauty for so little effort! Gorgeous views of the coast and Golden Gate Bridge and a beach perfect for a day of play. For the Young Ones (0-10): Our Little Miss had no trouble walking the entire approx. 3 miles, broken up by beach time playing in the sand. … Continue reading Lands End (California Coastal Trail) to Mile Rock Beach
Within Driving Distance of Sacramento
Little Yosemite
Why we love it: Taking the Canyon View Trail from the Visitor's Center (make sure to grab a map!) is a fun and interesting route (see my Reel on Instagram), and taking the Camp Ohlone Road back via the parking lots made an easy finish to a day scrambling on the river rocks. For the … Continue reading Little Yosemite
Sailor Bar
Until recently, I didn't realize that Sailor Bar is part of the American River Parkway! Legend has it that Sailor Bar is so named because a sailor jumped ship to stake his claim during the Gold Rush. This gentle hike travels along the American River in Fair Oaks, California (4253 Illinois Avenue). You can make … Continue reading Sailor Bar
Mather Lake Nature Trails
Mather Regional Park is the park you just haven't been to yet! Go east on Hwy. 50, exit Zinfandel in Rancho Cordova, and head south. You'll see the entrance on your left just after you pass Douglas Road. According to AllTrails, there are two loops, but based on my experience it's more like two out-and-back … Continue reading Mather Lake Nature Trails
American River Discovery Trail
This short 1/4 mile trail is located at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, just east of Sacramento in Gold River, California. The best time to come is in the fall, when the salmon are jumping up the ladder at the hatchery, but we had a nice visit smack in the middle of summer. Why we love … Continue reading American River Discovery Trail
Bassi Falls Trail
Once you know how to get there, this is a great trail! (See "How to get there" below.) This is a very popular trail, and it's easy to see why. Everyone loves to head to the water in the summer, especially a waterfall, and even more so to a waterfall that has natural pools you … Continue reading Bassi Falls Trail
Cronan Ranch Trails
We did this trail back on March 31st, but I'm just now getting around to posting! Cronan Ranch is located in Pilot Hill, California, four miles north of Coloma on Hwy 49. We chose to do the Long Valley Trail to the river and back. Due to the high exposure of this hike, I would … Continue reading Cronan Ranch Trails
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is located in the Sierra Nevada foothills 12 miles east of Jackson, CA. I have to admit, when I originally learned that this park has just about 1.5 miles of trails I dismissed it and assumed a trip here would be boring. If you've been, you know I was … Continue reading Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park
Canyon View Preserve Trail
Canyon View Preserve Trail is just starting to get the attention it deserves. It's a short and sweet trail that's easily accessed from the Park & Ride at the Bowman exit off of Interstate 80, behind Calstar in Auburn. Why we love it: Personally, I love it because it is so easy to get to and yet … Continue reading Canyon View Preserve Trail
Independence Trail – East
Taking the Independence Trail - East trail to where it "ends' (at what looks like an old service road), the hike is about four to four and 1/2 miles total (out and back). You can continue past the obvious road on some unmaintained trails, but do so at your own risk - there's lots of … Continue reading Independence Trail – East
Family Trail Time: A Mama's Hiking Guide 