The Best Spring Hikes Within Two Hours of Sacramento

Spring is one of the best seasons to get outdoors and enjoy a local hike. It’s not too hot, it’s not too cold, and, on most days, there’s no rain to contend with. But the best part of spring hiking is the reward: the rushing waterfalls and colorful wildflowers! 

You don’t have to be a super athlete to enjoy hiking in Northern California. There are great beginner trails, including kid-friendly trails. And some even let you bring your well-behaved dog! Sure, there are great fall hikes near Sacramento, but spring hikes are just as rewarding. We’ve rounded up the best trails in the region that will take you to see waterfalls in their full glory as well as colorful wildflowers along the trailside. So, lace up those boots and get out there!

Buttermilk Bend Trail | Auburn

Although Buttermilk Bend Trail is partially closed due to a washout, the part that remains open is still worth a mention considering the impressive wildflower displays here. Part of the South Yuba State Park, Buttermilk Bend is one of the most dramatic hiking trails near Sacramento, as it stretches alongside a steep river canyon. Poppies, lupine, buttercups, and fiddlenecks line the trail as it winds high above the water, with awesome views of the rushing water below. You’ll also spot butterflies, waterfalls, and a historic covered bridge. 

The trail is closed about a half mile in, but there are docent-led wildflower walks at 10 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays through May 11. You can also access the back part of the trail via the fire road along French Corral Creek, about ¼ mile up from the parking lot. Dogs are allowed.

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Cronan Ranch Regional Trails Park | Pilot Hill

Rolling green hillsides dotted with colorful wildflowers and towering oaks define Cronan Ranch near Pilot Hill. There are more than a dozen trails to choose from; some are rugged and steep, and others are relatively flat and mellow. Many trails also offer access to the South Fork of the American River — there’s even an old cabin that was used as part of a movie set. There are a few picnic tables scattered about, so bring lunch and make a day of it. Admission is free and dogs are welcome.

Phantom Falls | Oroville

Part of the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve near Oroville, this hiking area comes to life in the spring with rolling hillsides covered with purple, gold, yellow and white. While the hike is relatively easy, you’ll have to dodge vernal pools and springs, which add to the fun. Phantom Falls bursts over the basalt mesa with recent runoff, making for a spectacular sight. The out-and-back hike to the falls is about 4 miles. A lands pass is required to access North Table Mountain and can be purchased on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website for less than $6. Dogs are allowed.

Phantom Falls – Photo Courtesy of @woah_neat

Hidden Falls Regional Park | Auburn

With more than 30 miles of multi-use trails, this expansive landscape is a good spot for a hike any time of year. But spring is especially rewarding, as its namesake trail, which clocks in at about three miles, takes you to an impressive waterfall, complete with a viewing platform. In the summer, the base of the falls has a refreshing swimming hole too. Along the way are wildflowers galore. Dogs are allowed. Note: Parking reservations are required on weekends and holidays.

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Jepson Prairie Preserve | Dixon

Dry and dormant most of the year, this native grassland prairie south of Dixon erupts in colorful wildflowers and vernal pools after winter rains. Ribbons of yellow, white, and purple wind through the lush grasses, and a self-guided loop trail takes you past one of the largest vernal pools in the region. You can even join in an expert-led wildflower and critter walk, held from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. weekends through mid-May. No dogs allowed.

Horsetail Falls | Twin Bridges

If it’s waterfalls you’re chasing, one of the most impressive is Horsetail Falls in Twin Bridges. The trailhead and parking lot are located off Highway 50 past Strawberry in El Dorado County and it’s $5 to park. Following the Pyramid Creek Trail alongside the rushing water, you’ll scramble over smooth granite slabs surrounded by towering pine-dotted peaks. Note that if you plan to hike to the top of the falls or beyond, you’ll need a Desolation Wilderness permit, so be sure to pick one up at the trailhead before you head out. Before you go, check the weather conditions. The area is usually socked in with snow until late spring. Dogs are allowed.

Mather Vernal Pools | Mather

The Illa M. Collin Conservation Preserve — better known as Mather Vernal Pools — is a seasonal treasure in Mather, just south of Rancho Cordova. More than 1,300 acres of land makes up the protected space, with seasonal vernal pools becoming habitat for many species. You can take one of several self-guided walking tours, where you can see colorful wildflowers such as poppies, red maids, field lilies, monkeyflowers and more! No dogs allowed.

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Beeks Bight | Granite Bay

This easy out-and-back trail near Granite Bay is relatively flat, making it a good choice for families. It winds along Folsom Lake, offering great views of the water. It’s known for its springtime wildflowers, especially poppy and lupine. Another popular spring hike at Folsom Lake includes Browns Ravine Trail near El Dorado Hills. Dogs are allowed.

Mt. Diablo Loop | Walnut Creek

Just two hours from Sacramento, this loop trail on Mt. Diablo packs a one-two punch: waterfalls AND wildflowers! Although it’s considered a challenging trail, you can do as much or as little as you’d like. Spring rains make for seasonal waterfalls along the route, and there are brilliant wildflowers everywhere, including Indian paintbrush and poppies. There are also fragrant wild daffodils growing along Bear Creek. No dogs allowed.

Mount Diablo State Park 2024, California State Parks, Photo by Brian Baer

Blue Ridge Loop Trail | Winters

Located in the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve west of Winters, this challenging 4.5-mile loop trail is worth the effort. It offers sweeping views of Lake Berryessa and the Sacramento Valley. Best of all, the trail is lined with wildflowers come late spring. No dogs allowed.

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Common Wildflowers Found in Northern California.

• California Poppy. Known for its unmistakable orange petals, the California poppy is also the state flower.
• Lupine. These dark purple blossoms grow in vertical clusters and are often found alongside poppies.
• Baby Blue Eyes. These delicate blooms have blue petals with white centers.
• Blue Dicks. Often found in oak woodlands, these wildflowers have purple-blue flowers on slender stalks.
• Buttercups. These seasonal blooms have small, glossy yellow flowers.
• Indian Paintbrush. These dramatic flowers have bright red-orange flowers clustered on a central stem.
• Monkeyflower. These dainty flowers can have purple, pink, or orange with a tubed base.
• Cluster Lily. There are many varieties of lilies native to Northern California, with white, purple, or orange petals.
• Fiddleneck. Named for their curving stems that resemble the neck of a fiddle, these wildflowers have bold yellow-orange petals.