Living in Sacramento means loving the great outdoors. From quad-busting climbs on your mountain bike to white-knuckle rides atop roaring whitewater, there’s endless adventure to discover close to California’s capital city. Here are five outings you’ve got to try.
Raft the American River
Some of California’s fastest whitewater is right here in Sacramento. The American River, which flows into Sacramento from the Sierra Nevada, offers everything from casual Class II stretches to harrowing Class IV adventures. Whatever level of thrill you’re seeking, this mighty river has it. Unless you’re a seasoned rafting pro with your own boat and gear, you’ll probably want to latch on with an outfitter. There are countless commercial guides to choose from, and you really can’t go wrong.
Mountain Bike at Folsom Lake
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is packed with awesome mountain bike trails for an epic day of riding. Whatever you’re in the mood for – whether that’s a leisurely green or a highly technical blue or black – this mountain biking hot spot about 30 miles northeast of Sacramento has your back. Best of all, your ride comes with some epic views of the foothill terrain and lake.
Climb at Cosumnes River Gorge
Go crazy on the granite at Cosumnes River Gorge for an unreal day of climbing. With more than 100 routes spanning a wide range of difficulties, this spot is great for newbies, seasoned climbers, and everyone in between. It’s a bit of a haul from Sacramento – about 50 miles east, near the western Sierra city of Placerville – but it’s well worth the effort to scale the gorge’s smooth granite.
Hike the South Fork American River Trail
Just past Folsom Lake, almost 40 miles east of Sacramento, the South Fork American River Trail serves up a grueling trek through epically scenic foothill terrain. You’ll definitely earn your views, though. This 17.5-mile out-and-back hike features just short of 2,800 feet of elevation gain. It’s doable in a day but is also awesome for a multi-day backpacking journey.
Go Off-Roading at Prairie City
Looking for a high-powered adventure? Prairie City State Vehicular Recreation Area, close to Rancho Cordova, offers up all sorts of off-roading awesomeness. You’ll see a variety of vehicles, including dirt bikes, ATVs, karts, and 4x4s, all tearing up the trails in this amazing park at the base of the Sierra Nevada. Smooth rolling hills. Open grassland. Body-jolting rocky stretches. Remnants of the area’s rich gold mining past. Prairie City SVRA has a little of everything.
We’re Here to Help You Live Big
At StorQuest Self Storage on Mack Road in Sacramento, we are champions of an awesome life. We’re here to help you fit as much adventure into life as possible by providing a home away from home for all your outdoor gear. Whether you need a climate-controlled space for all your stuff or a place to park your RV, boat, dirt bike, or off-road vehicle, we’ve got you covered.