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There’s something magical about exploring Sacramento by bike.
Maybe it’s the way morning fog lifts off the American River, or how century-old buildings cast long shadows across cobblestone streets.
Whether you’re a weekend warrior or casual cruiser, we’ve discovered the routes that capture the capital city’s unique charm.
1. American River Trail (best urban ride)
The American River Trail (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) runs for 32 miles from Discovery Park in Sacramento to Beals Point on the shores of Folsom Lake. It’s a paved trail that runs alongside the river, with trees and parkland lining the route.
This is a flat, paved trail that can be ideal for family rides.
It also has plenty of access points, many with restrooms, and places to eat and drink can be found not far from the trail.
Surface Type: Paved
Ride Difficulty: Easy – flat, paved, traffic-free bike path.
2. Lake Tahoe Loop (best road ride)
The Lake Tahoe Loop lets you ride the whole way around the beautiful Lake Tahoe following the road route of the Lake Tahoe Scenic Drive.
The ride passes through several state parks and crosses the state line into Nevada.
This is a 72-mile route that offers spectacular views of the lake and surrounding mountains and forests. But it can be busy with traffic during peak seasons.
Surface Type: Sealed
Ride Difficulty: Hard – long road route with traffic and climbs.
3. Pioneer Trail
The Pioneer Trail runs through Tahoe National Forest. It’s a 25-mile off-road trail that offers stunning views across Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
The the out-and-back trail can be a great place for viewing wildlife but some stretches can be a challenging ride, with steep climbs.
There are picnic areas and rest areas along the way. There is parking at the trailhead at Harmony Ridge Market.
Surface Type: Off-road
Ride Difficulty: Medium – single-track with steep climbs at high elevation.
4. Johnny Cash Trail
The Johnny Cash Trail can be an easy ride for all cyclists. This two-and-a-half-mile trail runs from Folsom Powerhouse State Historic Park to the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail.
It’s a paved off-road route that lets you cycle through leafy surroundings alongside the grounds of Folsom Prison.
This trail can be easily connected with the American River Trail from Sacramento and can be ridden as a loop using the Folsom Lake Crossing Trail.
Surface Type: Paved
Ride Difficulty: Easy – traffic-free paved path.
5. Davis Bike Loop
The city of Davis has long been known as the Bike Capital of America, with almost all roads in the city having some type of bike path. The city is also the home of the US Bicycling Hall of Fame.
The 12-mile Davis Loop takes you around the city and past the UC Davis Arboretum, including sections through the campus.
This can be an easy ride from downtown that follows the road. The bike route is marked with green bikes painted on the pavement.
There are also many other paths you can take to extend your ride.
Surface Type: Sealed
Ride Difficulty: Easy – flat road route.
6. Lake Natoma Trail
The Lake Natoma Trail is a six-mile trail that runs along the southern shores of Lake Natoma. This is a paved route that can be a pleasant ride for all cyclists, with trees for shade and places to stop to admire the views over the water.
The trail can be accessed from Nimbus Flat Recreation Area where you’ll find parking and restrooms.
However, there is a parking fee 😞
The route can easily be linked with the American River Trail from Sacramento and can be ridden in a loop by crossing the lake near Folsom.
Surface Type: Paved
Ride Difficulty: Easy – flat and traffic-free.
7. Jenkinson Lake Trail
An hour’s drive east of Sacramento will bring you to Sly Park Recreation Area, a scenic spot with the turquoise Jenkinson Lake at its center, surrounded by green pine forests and wildlife (it can be a good spot for viewing eagles).
The Jenkinson Lake Trail is just under nine miles and takes you off-road and around the lake.
The route has a few technical sections with tight corners and steep climbs and drops.
Surface Type: Off-road
Ride Difficulty: Medium – some climbs and drops over rugged terrain.
Bike Rentals And Tours Around Sacramento
There are several places to rent bikes in and around Sacramento.
For some mountain biking trails, such as Jenkinson Lake Trail, you may want to take your own.
- Peak Adventures (American River Trail – rentals)
- Over the Edge (Lake Tahoe – rentals)
- Practical Cycle (Johnny Cash Trail, Lake Natoma, American River Trail – rentals)
- Tour of Nevada City Bicycle Shop (Pioneer Trail – rentals)
- Ken’s Bike Ski Board (Davis – rentals)
- Green Bicycle Depot (Davis – rentals)
Sacramento, CA Bike Laws
We’ve included some of the main California biking laws as a guide but you should research the rules for yourself.
This is not intended as legal advice.
- Helmets are required to be worn by all cyclists under the age of 18.
- Lights are necessary for night riding. A white headlight is required plus a rear red reflector or light. Your bike must also have pedal/foot reflectors and reflectors visible from the side.
- It’s illegal to ride your bike while under the influence of alcohol.
- Group riding on roads is limited to no more than two abreast. However, if the road is too narrow for vehicles to safely pass, you should ride single-file. You can take the lane if moving at the same speed as traffic. Otherwise, keep as far right as possible.
- E-Bikes can be ridden on roads in the same way as a traditional bicycle. They can also be ridden on some bike paths unless prohibited.
Final Words
Sacramento has a whole host of bike trails and rides to suit all abilities.
From challenging but incredibly scenic road routes to forest trails and urban parkways, this capital city can be worth visiting.
Let us know which trail you plan to do first below. And if you want to encourage others to get on their bikes, share this.
