Sacramento Area: Carmichael, Davis, Folsom, Placer County, Sacramento
UC Davis Arboretum - Davis
Daily, year-round
Location: Several visitor parking lots, entrances along length of the Arboretum
Why Go There? 17 gardens, collections of the UC Davis Arboretum represent a living museum; open 24 hours a day, no entrance fee. Main path is a 3.5 mile loop. Free parking weekends; $9.00/car on weekdays. Permit machines in the visitor parking lots accept bills, coins, ATM, credit cards.
More Information: UC Davis Arboretum
Folsom Lake - Folsom, Granite Bay
Location: Multiple park entrances, trailheads
Why Go There? Shorter or longer walk/hike options with lake views, mostly level, some very short uphill/downhill sections. Popular multi-use trails (bicycle, equestrian, hike) so expect to share, especially on weekends.
Access: Entrance fees for the State Recreation Area, designated parking areas (with bathrooms)
More Information: Folsom Lake
Johnny Cash Trail - Folsom
Location: Downtown Folsom
Why Go There? Level urban walk; multi-use, interactive art trail will be of interest to Johnny Cash fans; views of the American River
More Information: Jonny Cash Trail
River Walk Park - West Sacramento
Location: 651 Second Street, along the west bank of the Sacramento River between the Tower and I Street bridges
Why Go There? Offers a unique view of the Sacramento skyline and Old Sacramento; can take the River Walk Trail to view the mesmerizing sculpture 'Subtile' by artist Federico Díaz (see listing under Arts/Subtile - West Sacramento); site of summer concert series,"Harmony on the River", and Riverbank Music Festival (September)
More Information: River Walk Park
Additional Resources
Jensen Botanical Garden - Carmichael
3.5 acres of multiple plant, tree species are actively tended by volunteers; more of a stroll than a hike; 8520 Fair Oaks Boulevard
Placer Land Trust - Placer County
Trails open to the public
Regional Parks - Sacramento Area
Trails along rivers, multi-use, paved; parking/entrance fees