Hikes Within 60 Minutes of Sacto

HIKES WITHIN 60 MINUTES OF SACTO.

Day Hike (1A). American River Parkway – Fair Oaks to Sunrise Blvd. We will hike about 6-8 miles on the bike path to the Sunrise Blvd area and return. Optional dinner afterwards at Carmelitas in Fair Oaks. Meet 1 p.m. on Bridge St. by the old Fair Oaks Bridge. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). American River Parkway – Fish Hatchery to Fair Oaks. Sleep in and get some exercise without driving far. We’ll hike along the American River Parkway from the Fish Hatchery to Fair Oaks, where we’ll have lunch at the Sunflower restaurant. 7 total miles and 300’ elev. gain. Bring essentials and $$ for lunch. Meet 10 a.m. in the Fish Hatchery parking lot (which is on the West side of Hazel Ave. just South of the American River and North of Hwy. 50). Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). American River Parkway – Fish Hatchery to Folsom. Let’s get some exercise without driving far. We’ll hike along the American River Bike Trail from the fish hatchery to Folsom, where we’ll have lunch in a restaurant (probably Pizzeria Classico). We should be back by about 3 p.m. 9total miles and 300’ elev. gain. Moderate to heavy rain cancels. Meet 10 a.m. @ the Hazel Ave. fish hatchery parking lot, which is on the west side of Hazel Ave. just south of the American River. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Day Hike. American River Parkway – Lake Natoma Loop. We will hike from the Fish Hatchery off of Hazel Ave. along the north trail to Folsom for lunch and return on the south trail. Heavy rain cancels. Leader walks at a fast pace and this is an 11-mile loop, so you must be in good shape! Meet 9 a.m. in the Fish Hatchery parking lot. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). American River Parkway - Rainbow Bridge to Folsom Lake. We will start from the Rainbow Bridge in Folsom, hike toward Folsom Lake and have lunch in Folsom at a restaurant of the group’s choice.. Hike rain or shine. Meet 9 a.m. @ in the Folsom Powerhouse parking lot. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Bike Ride. American River Parkway – Rio Americano High to Fair Oaks. Join us for a short ride (approx. 20 total miles) on the bike path. We’ll start at the school and ride east, with a slight elev. gain to old Fair Oaks, where we’ll have lunch at the Sunflower Café. Then we’ll head back, returning by mid-afternoon. Ride rain or shine. Meet 10 a.m. at Rio Americano High School, which is about one mile east of Watt Ave. on American River Dr. where it intersects Saverien. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike. Auburn State Rec. Area - Lake Clementine. A day paddle on this pretty foothill reservoir southeast of Foresthill, off I-80. We’ll stop for lunch at a sandy beach and may make some terrestrial explorations. Paddle distance is approximately eight miles, elevation about 700’. Meet 10 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Auburn State Rec. Area - Olmstead Loop. 9 total miles & 1,200’ elev. gain. This hike loops through mostly open terrain in the foothills around Cool. There are nice views of the river gorge and oak forest. Hike rain or shine. Bring essentials and $$ for driver & optional dinner afterward. Meet 9 a.m. @ the Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Auburn State Rec. Area - Quarry Road. We'll hike along the waters of the American River’s middle fork to inspect a quarry site and take time to soak our feet (or swim) in the river. Approx. 6 total miles & 800’ elev. gain. Meet 10 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Night Hike (2A). Auburn State Rec. Area - Quarry Road. We have obtained a permit to enter the park after dark so, we'll hike 6 total miles, with about 900’ elev. gain, along the middle fork of the American River under the light of a full moon. Although we are starting after dinner, bring a little something to snack on during our break at the turn-around spot. Beside the usual essentials, make certain that you dress in layers and bring lights with fresh batteries. Meet 6 p.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride (Eureka Rd./Atlantic Exit). Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Blue Ridge. We will start crossing the Cache Creek, turning left and then heading up and up. 8 total miles & 2,000’ elev. gain. There are some beautiful panoramas offered at the top where we will have lunch. This hike is closer to home than a lot of our hikes. Blue Ridge is just beyond the little town of Rumsey (on Hwy 16) and the Indian Casino. Bring essentials and $$ for driver, park fee & optional dinner afterward. Hike rain or shine. Meet 9 a.m. @ 11th & P St. Est. 7:30 p.m. return to Sacto. Not limited to singles. Leader: Tony Loftin916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Brannon Island State Recreation Area. This is a delta island that provides a different view of our valley area. Out last outing here we observed a Bobcat. Also, look for migrating birds we walk along the sloughs. About 7 total miles & zero elev. gain. Bring essentials and $$ for driver, park fee & optional dinner afterward. Hike rain or shine. Meet 9 a.m. @ 11th & P St. Not limited to singles. Leader: Tony Loftin916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Cosumnes River Preserve. The area is a beautiful wildlife habitat for a great variety of birds, deer, beaver and river otters. Starting with a view of the visitor’s center, we’ll take a short, leisurely walk (with lots of stops along the way, including the visitor’s center) on the boardwalk and dirt trails (may be muddy if there have been recent rains). Total of 1½ miles & zero elev. gain. Hike intended for EVERYONE… to include those single or married parents who would like to bring their children along to share in their outdoor experience. Most suitable for 1st graders and older. Meet 1p.m. @ the visitor center parking lot. Directions: From Hwy.99, take the Twin Cities Rd. exit and drive west for approx. 7.1 miles to Franklin Blvd. From I5, take the Twin Cities Rd. exit and drive east for approx. 1.1-miles to Franklin Blvd. At Franklin Blvd turn south and drive approx. 2.5 miles to the Visitor’s Center on the left. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). El Dorado Trail. We will wind through the peaceful, forested, east end of Placerville where, at the end of the trail, we'll stop for lunch at the Apple Café and then return back to the trailhead. 7 total miles. Bring warm clothing, water, sun block, comfortable walking shoes, and $$ for lunch and optional carpooling. Hike rain or shine. Meet 10 a.m. @ Hazel Ave. Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2C). Euchre Bar – North Fork of the American River. Starting near Alta, we will descend steeply down into the North Fork’s gorge, where the trail levels out for the remaining 2.5 miles for lunch and a dip in the river’s cool waters at Humbug Bar. Then, unfortunately, it is back to the last mile of our trip where most of the 2,350’ elev. gain awaits us. 7 total miles & 2,350’ elev. gain. Plenty of water on this trip is required. Bring essentials and $$ for optional dinner afterward. Meet 10 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Fleming Meadow. Near Jenkinson Lake/Pollock Pines. Approx. 8 total miles & 1,100’ elev. gain. The trail is nestled in a forest of cedar and pine, with some Madrone trees mixed in. The trail offers some peeks of Jenkinson Lake and wraps around the perimeter of Fleming Meadow and the Ferrari Mill area. Because it is close, we can start later and get back earlier. Bring essentials, and $$ for driver and optional dinner afterward. Meet 9a.m. @ the Folsom Outlets Park & Ride at corner of Folsom Blvd. & Iron Point Rd. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Folsom Lake. We will start near the lake's swimming area, then hike up a ridge overlooking the lake (5 mile loop with 300’ elev. gain). There is an abundance of wildlife: mountain lions, coyotes, turkeys, waterfowl, humming birds, and many other critters. Directions: From I-80, take Douglas Blvd. south (past Sierra College Blvd.) until it ends at the entrance to Folsom Lake State Park. Then, drive in one mile to the swimming area. Hike rain or shine. Parking fee. Meet 12:30 p.m. @ Folsom Lake State Park's Granite Beach swimming area parking lot. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1B). Hidden Falls - Auburn Area. Join me at this regional park that opened last fall, administered by the Placer Legacy Open Space and other local organizations. 6-7 miles with ups and downs, possibly 500’ elev. gain. Hike on mostly shaded, well marked multi-use trails, among Blue Oak, California Buckeye and Manzanita, waterfalls and two creeks, and see the secret Seven Pools. Lunch by the creek. Water and restroom at trailhead. Meet 8:30 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride (I-80 towards Reno, exit Eureka Rd. in Roseville cross intersection, turn left at Shell station, then right). Not limited to singles. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Humbug-Willow Creek. Here is a close-to-home hike through the city of Folsom’s green space. We will hike approx. 6 to 8 total miles with little elev. gain. Bring essentials. Hike rain or shine. No reservation needed. Children aged 10 years or older accompanied by their parent or guardian are also welcome. Meet 10a.m. @ the parking area between Jamba Juice and La Bou, which is located in Folsom on the southwest corner of Folsom Blvd. & Blue Ravine Drive. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Humbug-Willow Creek Parkway. This outing is in Folsom and is intended for EVERYONE… to include those single or married parents who would like to bring their children along to share in their outdoor experience. We’ll keep the talk about the creek’s natural and human history interesting for the kids as we walk along the partially paved, wellgroomed path that lends itself to participants of all ages and abilities, including strollers. Bring essentials for yourself and children. No reservations needed. Meet 10a.m. @ the Hazel Ave. Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Jenkinson Lake. A relatively gently rolling hike only an hour from Sacramento. The lake is normally below the snow level and nestled in a mixed forest of Douglas fir, Oak, Madrone, and Pines. About 9 total miles & 500’ elev. gain. Hike rain or shine. Bring essentials and $$ for driver & optional dinner afterward. Meet 9 a.m. @ the Folsom Outlets Park & Ride at corner of Folsom Blvd. & Iron Point Rd. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (3C). Judge Davis Trail. We’ll start our trek in through this beautiful oak woodland (owned by the BLM) from Hwy. 20 between Williams and Clear Lake for lunch along Cache Creek in Wilson Valley. Wildflowers may just be starting, but if we’re lucky, we might see some of the Bald Eagles or Tule Elk that inhabit this area. Approx. 11-13 total miles & 2,400’ elev. gain. Bring essentials. Hike rain or shine. Est. 7 p.m. return to Sac. Need $$ for your driver and optional dinner afterward. Meet 8 a.m. @ 11th & P St. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Evening Walk (1A). Laguna Creek Trail - Elk Grove. This lake and creek habitat features an abundance of wildlife, including ducks, geese, beavers, muskrats, river otters, and who knows what. About 3 miles & zero elev. gain. We'll grab lunch at a local eatery and then pile into our cars to go south into the Cosumnes River Preserve, winter home of Sandhill cranes and a variety of other waterfowl. The after-lunch portion of the hike will be a short affair, with lots of stops along the way. Meet 10 a.m. @ Albertson's parking lot (located in the Northwest corner of Elk Grove-Florin & Bond Roads). We’ll meet along the strip of stores (pet supplies, donuts, pool stuff, etc) in the Southwest part of the Albertson's complex. Elk-Grove-Florin is the Southern extension of Watt Ave. Bond Road becomes Laguna Blvd. at Hwy. 99. Bring essentials, binoculars, and $$ for lunch and optional coffee/desert afterward. Hike rain or shine. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Los Vaqueros Watershed. Nestled in the hills west of Stockton. About 8 total miles & 1,200' elev. gain. Enjoy the rolling grassland scenery, including an angelic view of Mt. Diablo, an expansive view of the reservoir and, believe-it-or-not, the toilets are a tourist attraction on their own. There are a couple of steep climbs on this hike so, you do need to be in shape. Dinner will be in Brentwood at a great Mexican Restaurant where the margaritas are cold and the food is hot. Bring essentials, and $$ for driver, park entrance fee ($6-per-car) & optional dinner afterward. Hike rain or shine. Meet 9a.m. @ 11th & P St. Est. 8 p.m. return to Sacto. Not limited to singles. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Lovers' Leap. Starting in a little campground near Strawberry, we’ll follow the trail using an historic toll road along the base of Lovers’ Leap, which is a popular rock climbing area. We end up at the top of Lovers’ Leap for lunch with breath-taking views of Horsetail Falls, Pyramid Peak and Trail leads to a great view of the South Fork of the American River. Per the Forest Service, the distance is 5 total miles, goes from 5,900' elev. to 6,900', and is moderately difficult. Not limited to singles. Meet 8:30 a.m. @ Hazel Ave. Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Marshall Gold Discovery Site - Coloma. We will do an easy 900’ elev. gain & 3½ mile loop in the foothills, not very far from home. The tail circles up behind and around the park along the top of a ridge and back. Following the hike, we will explore the museum, mining displays and old-fashioned shops. Hike rain or shine. Dressing in layers is always best. No reservations needed. Bring essentials, and $$ for driver and optional dinner afterward. Meet 9 a.m. @ 11th & P St. Est. 7 p.m. return to Sac. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Monroe Ridge Trail. Climb the shady, wooded trail to the scenic open ridge behind the Marshall Gold Discovery State Park in Coloma. 4.5 miles of gold rush history and beautiful vistas. 600' elev. gain. Picnic by the river after the hike. Option to stay and enjoy multiple museums, demonstrations and displays at the park. $5 parking fee per car. Meet 9 a.m. at Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Old City Cemetery Walking Tour. Get in the holiday spirit with Christmas caroling and information about oldtime Christmas traditions. There is no fee for the tour, but donations for restoration projects are appreciated. Note that many other tours are also given throughout the year. For further info. see or call 916.448.1811. The cemetery entrance is located @ Broadway & 10th St. Tour will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Evening Walk (1A). Orangevale Bluffs. Walk both on and off the bike trail, so be prepared. We'll start at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery and walk on the bike trail until we get to the Bluffs. This is a beautiful hike and has some up and down hill. Walk a couple hours or until dark. Walk starts at 6:15 p.m. at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery off of Hazel Avenue. If the group is interested, we'll go to a restaurant after the walk. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2B). Pilot Hill. Exploratory hike through a mining area on the east side of Folsom Lake. About 9 miles & 1,000’ elev. gain. No reservation needed. Hike rain or shine. Meet 8 a.m. @ Hazel Ave. Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Pioneer Express Trail. This trail goes north from Rattlesnake Bar following the north shore of Folsom Lake. Approx 8 miles & 300’ elev. gain with a short drive from Sacto. Bring lunch & $$ for parking. Hike rain or shine. Meet 9:30 a.m. @ Eureka Road Park & Ride. From I-80 headed toward Reno take the Eureka Road exit. Go straight across Eureka Road, past the In-N-Out Burger and the Shell Station and turn left into the Park & Ride by the Brookfield's Restaurant. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (1A). Placer Big Trees. Cool off from the summer heat with a lazy day at the Placer Big Trees picnic area, past Forest Hill. Relax, nap, read or take a short interpretive hike. Bring bug spray and optionally bring a mat or chair. Meet 10 a.m. @ Roseville Park & Ride. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .

Day Hike (2A). Putah Creek – U.C. Davis. Less than a half-hour drive from Sac., this will be a nice relaxing stroll along Putah Creek that generally borders the university’s southwestern boundary. Besides the creek and grass, there should be a selection of wildflowers this time of year. Approx. 6-8 total miles & less than 100’ elev. gain. Bring essentials and $$ for driver and optional dinner afterward. Hike rain or shine. Meet 10 a.m. @ 11th & P St. Leader: Tony Loftin 916.448.3230 or .