New trail connects Sacramento neighborhoods for bikers and pedestrians. See where it goes

Chris Biderman
·1 min read
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Sacramento community leaders on Thursday opened a new trail they hope will continue to lessen dependency on cars.

The Del Rio Trail, a five-mile mixed-use path south of downtown Sacramento, was opened by the city Thursday morning with a ribbon cutting ceremony after less than 18 months of construction. The route follows the old Sacramento Southern Railroad right of way through the city.

The trail runs through Land Park, South Land Park, Freeport Manor, Z’Berg, Pocket and Meadview neighborhoods. The city said it will connect parks, schools, retail and commuters.

The trail will provide an “active transportation corridor,” the city said, running north and south parallel to Interstate 5, Riverside Boulevard and Freeport Boulevard. The city said the goal is to provide users more opportunities to be active while protecting the environment.

Sacramento City Councilman Rick Jennings, center, and former councilman Jay Schenirer cut a ribbon to formally open the Del Rio Trail on Thursday on Freeport Boulevard near Florin Road.
Sacramento City Councilman Rick Jennings, center, and former councilman Jay Schenirer cut a ribbon to formally open the Del Rio Trail on Thursday on Freeport Boulevard near Florin Road.
A pedestrian walks on the Del Rio Trail on Thursday, its opening day, in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood. The five-mile route follows the old Sacramento Southern Railroad right of way.
A pedestrian walks on the Del Rio Trail on Thursday, its opening day, in Sacramento’s Land Park neighborhood. The five-mile route follows the old Sacramento Southern Railroad right of way.
The Del Rio Trail, shown in a drone photo on Thursday, crosses under Interstate 5 near the Sacramento water tower at the southern end of its nearly five-mile route through the city.
The Del Rio Trail, shown in a drone photo on Thursday, crosses under Interstate 5 near the Sacramento water tower at the southern end of its nearly five-mile route through the city.

It’s most northern section is near Interstate 5 and the Sacramento River, running near the Holy Spirit Parish School and Sacramento Zoo. It extends south to the Bill Conlin Sports Youth Sports Complex reconnecting with the Sacramento River and the Sacramento River Bike Trail.

City officials expect over 10,000 bicycle and pedestrian trips in its first year of operation. Planning and public outreach for the project began in 2017 before construction started in December 2022.

One component of the trail remains unfinished: The upgrade of the old rail bridge over Riverside Boulevard and I-5, which connects the trail to the Sacramento River Bike Trail. Its opening is planned for summer.

A bridge carries the Del Rio Trail, shown in a drone photo on Thursday, over Riverside Boulevard and Interstate 5 at the north end of its nearly five-mile route through Sacramento. While the rest of the trail is officially open, the bridge won’t be ready until summer.
A bridge carries the Del Rio Trail, shown in a drone photo on Thursday, over Riverside Boulevard and Interstate 5 at the north end of its nearly five-mile route through Sacramento. While the rest of the trail is officially open, the bridge won’t be ready until summer.