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
Winter
Cascade Canal Trail
Why we love it: It's a great way to get out in nature on a true hike, without much difficulty. Starting at the Gracie Road trailhead, there are a few switchbacks near the beginning, but it evens out and is mostly wide and level terrain. For the Young Ones (0-10): It may be hard to … Continue reading Cascade Canal Trail
Darrington Trail
After Dayle's attempt to find Salmon Falls Loop Trail, I attempted to find it for myself. I was told by one person that there's a loop when the lake is pretty dried up, but in a good Sacramento winter it's typically pretty wet in this part of the country. I did see a sign for … Continue reading Darrington Trail
Sweetwater Trail
On New Year’s Day, my 6 year old (who hadn’t wanted to leave his Lego table since Christmas morning….) requested to go on a “hike in the woods”. So I loaded him and his 4 year old brother into the car and headed for Salmon Falls Trail on the South fork of the American River … Continue reading Sweetwater Trail
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
In the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, we hiked from the Old Davis Road parking lot to the Fire Ring Picnic Grounds. Going this route, the hike is just under 4 miles. You can extend it further by going past the picnic grounds to the Pedrick Road parking. To go this route, the creek should be … Continue reading Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Free Family Hike – TOMORROW!
TOMORROW - Friday, December 29th, 9AM - Free Family Hike: Join us for a family hike in nearby Davis, CA! The trail will be easy and kid-friendly. While it may be cold, so long as it's not freezing or raining, we'll be there! We'll explore part of the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve on our flat, <4 … Continue reading Free Family Hike – TOMORROW!
Elk Grove Creek Trail
Why we love it: If you're in the Elk Grove, CA area it's an easy way to get in a nice walk and exposure to a bit of nature without heading out of town. We did just a portion of the trail, starting at the shopping center with Peet's Coffee and Leatherby's Ice Cream on Laguna … Continue reading Elk Grove Creek Trail
Stagecoach Trail Hike
Why we love it: We've done several hikes in Auburn State Recreation Area, and this is probably our favorite! While it's not the type of hike that has a big finale before you head back, we came across two waterfalls and gorgeous views both up and down the 4.2 mile trail. For the Young Ones (0-10): You … Continue reading Stagecoach Trail Hike
Rock City Area Hike (Mt. Diablo State Park)
Why we love it: We barely scratched the surface of Mount Diablo State Park, exploring the Rock City area of the park - the Wind Caves, Elephant Rock, and Sentinel Rock! We scrambled, bouldered, and took in the odd and fascinating landscape formed by sandstone sculpted by wind and rain. For the Young Ones … Continue reading Rock City Area Hike (Mt. Diablo State Park)
Lake Clementine Trail Hike
Why we love it: Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA) has many awesome hikes that are family friendly! This hike had the reward of reaching the Lake Clementine Dam and taking in its power! For the Young Ones (0-10): The length of any hike in ASRA is entirely up to you! For all except one small … Continue reading Lake Clementine Trail Hike
Family Trail Time: A Mama's Hiking Guide 