Family-Friendly Bike Trails in the Sacramento Area

May is National Bike Month, and there’s no better time to get out and enjoy the spring weather on two wheels. Sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists, National Bike Month is designed to promote the many health and environmental benefits of cycling.

National Bike Month is also a great excuse to spend some quality family time together. Whether you have older kids or little ones just learning how to ride, the greater Sacramento area has plenty of trails to choose from. The region is ideal for riding, with its many tree-lined streets, community parks, and access to recreational areas — not to mention its many local bike shops.

Ride the American River Bike Trail

Sacramento is also home to the renowned Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, more commonly known as the American River Bike Trail. The 32-mile trail from Old Sacramento to Folsom is popular for cycling, walking, running, and more. It cuts through the American River Parkway, known as “The Jewel of Sacramento,” with family-friendly sections. including the following:

Photo Courtesy of: Ryskat

• William B. Pond. With ample parking, this riverside park near Carmichael is a great setting-off point for a family bike ride. The trail is easily accessible, and there are also restrooms, picnic tables and even a small fishing pond. You can even ride over the bridge to River Bend Park, which has numerous side trails to explore.
• Hagen Community Park. Located in Rancho Cordova, this large park is nestled alongside the river. Not only does it connect to the bike trail, it also has lots of smaller paved trails ideal for the littlest riders. The park also has a barn, complete with barn animals, as well as a mini railroad.
• Sunrise Recreation Areas. Both upper and lower areas offer ideal spots to begin or end a family bike ride along the river.
  This flat, mellow trail includes side paths leading straight to the water’s edge.. You can also ride up to the scenic Fair Oaks Bridge for incredible views of the bluffs.  
• Beal’s Point. At the tail end of the bike trail in Folsom, Beal’s Point is a great place to kick off a family bike ride. For starters, it has plenty of parking, restrooms, picnic areas, a beach, even a snack bar in summer. Not only does it access the American River Bike Trail, it also connects with several side trails that take you alongside Folsom Lake.

Other Bike Trails in the Sacramento Region

The American River Bike Trail is popular, but many other local trails offer flat, scenic rides for families. Other regional trails provide mellow, flat terrain with views and fun stops along the way. Following are some options.

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Miner’s Ravine Trail | Roseville

Photo Courtesy of Vikemaze

Stretching almost nine miles from downtown Roseville to Sierra College Blvd, Miner’s Ravine Trail hugs Dry Creek, winding through grasslands, oak groves, and natural marshland. Parts of the trail pass through residential and commercial areas, there’s plenty of natural scenery and wildlife to be found. Side trails connect to neighborhood parks, most with playgrounds, if your kiddos need to get the wiggles out.

U.C. Davis Arboretum Trail | Davis

Davis has been named one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation, and as such, it has plenty of opportunities for riding. But for the youngest riders, a protected bike bath may be best. The U.C. Davis Arboretum Trail is a good bet. It hugs Putah Creek and the many demonstration gardens showcasing trees and plants from around the world. Most people walk the 3.6-mile trail, but it’s also open to bikes.

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El Dorado Trail | El Dorado County

Connecting the town of El Dorado to Placerville, the paved El Dorado Trail runs along a former railway between El Dorado and Placerville. Ride as far as you like through grasslands, forests, creeks, and bridges—it even links to a local bike park.

Photo Courtesy of El Dorado Trail

Elk Grove Laguna Creek Trail | Elk Grove

Accessed via Del Meyer Park in Elk Grove, the Elk Grove Laguna Creek Trail is perfect for both casual bike riders and nature lovers. The relatively flat trail hugs the edge of Laguna creek you can often spot turtles, otters, egrets, and other wildlife. At the other end of the trail is Jack E Hill Park, which has a playground and a picnic area.

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Sunset Whitney Recreation Area | Rocklin

Located on the site of a reclaimed golf course, Sunset Whitney Recreation Area has several trails to choose from, all of which are great for kids. Oak woodlands, grassy fields, and tranquil ponds are just a few of the things you’ll find here. Nearby is Clover Valley Park, which has a playground and access to its namesake creek.

Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park | Pilot Hill

Photo Courtesy of Gabe Ferges

Although there are no paved bike trails here, Cronan Ranch in Pilot Hill has miles of trails for all ability levels, from steep trails in oak woodlands to mellow routes along the American River. Along the way are wildflowers, grazing sheep and river views. There are even the remains of an old movie set.

River Walk Trail | West Sacramento

At just under three miles, the River Walk Trail in West Sacramento is short, but it packs a punch, offering views of the river and the Downtown Sacramento skyline. Best of all, it runs through the Bridge District, where you can stop for a bite to eat or a cold drink. Spots to check out include Drake’s at the Barn, which has pizza, burgers, and an expansive outdoor space, or the Tree House Café, which has breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and a cute little outdoor dining area.

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Take a Family Bike Ride This May

Whether your kids are seasoned riders or just learning, National Bike Month is perfect for exploring Sacramento’s scenic family-friendly bike trails.