The Best Walking Trails In & Around the Sacramento Area

After a season of indulgences, many people are ready to get back to their usual routines. That usually means eating healthier, reducing their alcohol intake, and ramping up their exercise routine. January is also a good time to get outside and get some fresh air, especially after being cooped up for so long. While the weather in January can be iffy, there are usually some dry spells to take advantage of.

While higher elevations may see snow this time of year, the Sacramento Valley typically enjoys milder, walkable weather that’s perfect for scenic strolls, nature walks, and easy hikes. From riverside paths and shaded arboretums to foothill trails and peaceful lake loops, Sacramento, El Dorado, Yolo, and Placer Counties offer a wide variety of winter-friendly trails for every pace and experience level. Whether you’re looking for a short neighborhood walk, a quiet nature escape, or a longer weekend hike, these local trails often feel like hidden gems this time of year.

It should be noted that with the wet weather the Sacramento region experienced in late December, some trails may be inaccessible. Please be sure to check conditions before you head out.

Ancil Hoffman Park | Carmichael

Located along the American River in Carmichael, this expansive community park and its attached nature center, Effie Yeaw, has a lovely woodland trail system. Paths wind their way through oak forests and riparian habitat offering stellar views of the water. There are even interpretive trails for kids.

Auburn State Recreation Area | Auburn

With more than 100 miles of pathways hugging the American River, this is one of the most popular spots for hiking in the region. It’s just below the snowline, so you can enjoy it in winter. Trails here vary in difficulty level, from the mellow, kid-friendly Quarry Trail or Calcutta Falls to the aptly named Training Hill or Cardiac Hill.

Putah Creek Riparian Reserve | Davis

This 640-acre expanse flanks the banks of Putah Creek. The trail wends through natural riparian and grassland ecosystems with numerous trails to explore. It’s especially popular for bird watching and critter spotting, as turtles, beavers and deer are often seen here.

Find your next home in Davis.

River Walk Trail | West Sacramento

This levee-top trail stretches along the Sacramento River from I-80 to the I Street Bridge, with great views of the Sacramento skyline and Old Sac. At one end is River Walk Park, where you can take a load off and have a picnic, and at the other is Drake’s at the Barn, a family-friendly brewery that overlooks the river.

Riverfront Promenade | Sacramento

Just over the river from the River Walk Trail is the Riverfront Promenade, a walkway that connects Old Sacramento with the Sacramento River Bike Trail. Views of the water are unbeatable, as are views of the Tower Bridge, which looms above.

American River Parkway | Sacramento

The American River Parkway stretches from Old Sacramento to Folsom. While the entire trail offers scenic views, some sections are better for walkers than others. The section near the Guy West Bridge in East Sacramento has views of the river from the bridge, while the section near the Sunrise Recreation Area has views of the Fair Oaks bluffs. Further east, the trail passes Lake Natoma, and you can watch the jumping salmon below the trail near the Nimbus Fish Hatchery.

Miners Ravine Trail | Roseville

Photo courtesy FolsomNatural via Flickr

This multi-use trail runs from downtown Roseville to Sierra College Blvd., passing by open fields, creekside oak groves and Native American grinding stones. The trail is more than 8 miles long, but you can do as little or as much as you like.

Take a look at homes on the market in Roseville, CA.

Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, | Elk Grove

Photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service via Flickr

Miles of walking trails circle these protected wetlands, which are home to thousands of migratory birds. Winter is the best time to visit, as birds from as far away as Alaska come to roost. Keep your eyes peeled for cranes, sandpipers, plovers, geese and ducks. They often offer free tours through spring.

Hidden Falls Regional Park | Auburn

This popular park has more than 30 miles of trails winding their way through open grasslands, up rugged hillsides and across rushing creeks. There are also observation decks for viewing two waterfalls within the park, and sweeping views of the Sacramento Valley and Sutter Buttes.

Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge | Willows

Photo courtesy Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge

This expansive refuge is a bit further out — about 70 miles north of Sacramento, just south of the city of Willows — but it’s worth a mention. The refuge supports more than 250 species of birds that flock to these wetlands in the winter. Naturally, bird watching is a popular activity, and it’s likely to spot ducks, geese, raptors (including bald eagles and peregrine falcons) and shorebirds. There’s an auto tour, visitor center and a designated hunting area as well. Note: Parts of the refuge close due to flooding so be sure to check ahead of time.

El Dorado Trail | Placerville, Diamond Springs & Camino

Photo courtesy Visit El Dorado

This extensive multi-use trail runs more than 12 miles from Diamond Springs, through Placerville and all the way to Camino with many access points along the way. The scenery ranges from wide open countryside to forested mountains, and there are several creeks and bridges to keep it interesting.

U.C. Davis Arboretum Trail | Davis

Three interconnected loop trails make up the U.C. Davis Arboretum Trail, which showcases trees and plants found in habitats around the world. You can wander along Putah Creek and explore the Mediterranean or South American collections, see California native plants and relax in the flower garden.

Cosumnes River Preserve | Galt

Photo courtesy BLM California via Flickr

This nature preserve has more than 50,000 acres of protected land. There are several trails to choose from, depending on the season. They wind through lush marshes, vernal pools and riparian habitat and there are raised boardwalks to keep your feet dry. The preserve is home to 250 species of birds, including cranes and hawks. They offer several events throughout the season, including family-friendly nature walks, cultural history walks, and guided sandhill crane tours.

Get Out and Explore the Sacramento Region This Winter

Crisp air and fewer crowds make winter one of the best times of the year to explore the outdoors in Northern California. Whether a scenic stroll, a family-friendly nature walk, or a mellow hike, Sacramento, El Dorado, Yolo and Placer counties offer trails for every skill level. With the holidays in the rear-view mirror, now is the time to get back out there and take in everything the region has to offer.