Top Three Hikes in Sacramento
Are you looking for something to do this weekend? Don’t want to drive two hours to find a nice hike? Auburn is no more than thirty minutes away from Sacramento and boasts plentiful trails for hiking and mountain biking. Sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect hike to go on with your friends or family. Maybe you’re going on a first date from Hinge and want to impress them, or maybe you finally convinced the kids to put their phones down and join you on an adventure. Whatever the scenario is, we have you covered. These three hikes range from beginner to more advanced but all are beautiful and well worth the sweat and dirt stained shoes. Fill up your CamelBak and grab a granola bar, let’s explore some of the best hikes near Sacramento.
Hidden Falls Trail is a relatively easy hike that takes an average of 90 minutes to complete. It is a 3.2 mile loop that overlooks a beautiful river and gorgeous views of the canyon below. The trail is well marked throughout and well maintained year round. This is a hiking only trail so you shouldn’t run into any mountain bikers, only other fellow hikers trying to make it to the waterfall at the end. Dogs are also allowed as long as they are on a leash and owners pick up after them. The reason this trail stands apart from others is its accessibility and how stunning the views are. Trails are in great condition, rock steps have been built in certain steeper areas and the grand finale leads you to a gazebo sitting on top of a cliff overlooking the river and a waterfall. This is easily one of the best views you are going to get on a hike near the Sacramento area and for such little effort what’s not to love?
Some other information that you should know is these trails do tend to get busy during peak times so getting there early is encouraged. A daily parking permit is required if you do not have the Poppy Pass which you can purchase on the California parks website or at a ranger station. Make sure to bring enough water during the summer months and bring extra layers during winter, always check the weather forecast before adventuring into the wilderness. Have fun and enjoy!
The Robbie Point Firebreak Trail is a moderately challenging hike that usually takes people two hours to complete and is about 5.5 miles. This is an out and back trail which means it is a total of 5.5 miles, not 5.5 miles there and an additional 5.5 back. This trail follows the American River for its entire duration offering many places to stop and enjoy the views and snap a couple pictures. The trail is well maintained and clearly marked, just follow the signs all the way to Robbie Point. This trail is a bit longer than Hidden Falls but it is also flatter, you won’t have as much huffing and puffing up hills as Hidden Falls has but you will be walking a bit further. You also might consider bringing a christmas ornament as there is a tree along the trail that hikers have deemed the christmas tree and hang ornaments from. It’s a fun thing to do, some even write messages on their ornaments.
As with the previous trail it is important to arrive early because it does get crowded. Check the weather and bring water and plenty of food. Bug spray is recommended during certain times of the year. Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash. Mountain bikes are also allowed on this trail so always be aware of your surroundings, be respectful and share the trail with everyone. This trail is known for its flora and fauna so bring a field guide or download an app and learn about the plants and flowers you are seeing along the way. Have fun and enjoy!
The Middle Fork American River Quarry Trail is considered a challenging hike and takes most people four to four and a half hours to complete. It is a 10.8 mile out and back hike that does have a bit more elevation gain than the previous two hikes mentioned. You will spend almost the entire hike overlooking the American River and the canyon the water has carved through. It is a beautiful hike with an abundance of trees, plants and flowers to enjoy. There are also a few closed mines carved into the side of the mountain which make great resting places. They are gated closed but standing next to them offers a fun detour and great photo opportunity. The mines give parts of the trail an almost haunted feeling that is really enhanced during evening hikes.
Mountain bikes and dogs are also allowed on this trail as well so be aware of other people and be respectful. Like all the trails in Auburn, parking fills up quickly and trails become crowded after 10:00 AM so make sure to get there early. Check the weather and bring appropriate clothes and plenty of food and water. There are a few places to scramble down to the river during the summer to take a quick swim. Be careful where you choose because the water can be deceptively fast and cold. Have fun and be safe!
There are of course many more hikes in Auburn but for a fast and fun day out these three hikes will have everything you are looking for. Auburn has some great restaurants too if you are looking for a place to eat after one of these adventures. Have fun out there, be safe and enjoy, we might even see you on the trails!