Outdoors: Five hikes to consider this weekend from the Sacramento region to Mount Diablo
Thankfully triple-digit temperatures are not expected this weekend in the Sacramento region, which could make for the right conditions to get outside and go for a hike — with sunscreen and appropriate hydration, of course.
Highs of 95 on Saturday and 98 on Sunday aren’t exactly cool, but the weather will feel far more comfortable than earlier in July when there were record highs of 110 in some areas. The best time to get out would be in the morning with temperatures ranging from 64 to 90 from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here are some suggestions to try for a hike within the region.
Homestead to Blue Ridge Loop
This 4.5-mile loop gains 1,410 feet of elevation and can be exposed to a lot of sunlight, so make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. The vistas include Sacramento Valley and Lake Barryessa while walking on the spine of the hills, offering 360-degree views. Sacramento Magazine said this hike offers a “top-of-the-world” feel and includes some “boulder scrambling.”
This hike has a 4.6-star rating on AllTrails.com with reviewers warning of the heat and rattlesnakes, while also pointing out the incredible views and challenging hills. There are no dogs allowed on this trail. Getting to this trail head takes heading West from Sacramento to Winters, using Highway E6 to CA-128. It’s roughly a 50-mile drive from Sacramento.
William Land Park Loop
If you want something a little easier, more local and more dog friendly, the 2.3-mile loop around William Land Park is an easy solution. It circles around a rock garden, golf course, the Zoo and Fairytale Town, which means it could be an opportunity to let the little ones get their energy out.
Head towards downtown and take Broadway just south and parallel of Highway 50. From there head south on Land Park Drive and you’ll run right into the park.
Middlefork American River Quarry Trail
This 10.8 mile out-and-back will take you over four hours, but it will be worth it. Located in the Auburn State Recreation area, the trail runs parallel to the American River and is dog friendly, though they must be kept on a leash. It features some steep inclines, while there are also paved spans of the trail. AllTrails gives this hike a 4.4 rating and notes it’s great for bird watching and wildflowers. There is a fee to park at the trail head.
The hike is rewarding, ending in an amphitheater made of limestone walls while also passing by a large cave that was used for mining and scientific research. The trail also neighbors a railroad line used to transport the limestone. To get there, take Highway 80 to Auburn and exit Elm Avenue. Make a left on High St./Highway 193. Stay on that road through the entrance to the Park and make a left on Quarry Road Trail. A stop at the Auburn Ale House, Knee Deep Brewing and Moonraker are good places for a post-hike pint.
Ancil Hoffman Loop
Another more local, 3.0-mile loop that might be easier on the children and/or grandparents. The hour-long stroll in Carmichael is popular for walking, biking, running, bird watchers and bringing your dog. It circles the golf course and offers plenty of access to the American River.
This walk is a good one for shade and features little to no elevation changes. There’s a $6 fee to park. Take Highway 50 to Watt Avenue and then hang a right on Fair Oaks Blvd. Turn right on Oak Avenue and stay left on California Avenue. The entrance to the park will be on the right side.
Mount Diablo Summit
One of the most challenging hikes in the region calls for a two-hour drive west just beyond Walnut Creek. Mount Diablo rises as high as 3,849 feet above sea level making it one of the highest in the Bay Area. Climbing it via the Summit Trail will be a 7.3 mile trip and 2,139-foot elevation change that comes with some bragging rights. This one requires being in good physical shape.
This is a popular hike because of the level of accomplishment involved. And it has the added benefit of being closer to the Pacific Ocean, making it a touch cooler than other trips further inland. There’s not a lot of shade, so bring plenty of water — and be ready for having shaky legs on the way down. It’s an out-and-back trip — or an up-and-down trip, depending on your perspective.
Get to Walnut Creek and take 680 South. Exit El Cerro Boulevard in Danville. It will turn into Diablo Road until you turn left on Mt. Diablo Scenic Boulevard. There you will wind back and fourth until you get to the Camp Force Trailhead.
