Evans - Sacramento: Must-Do Hikes for Everyone

Appendix 1

Top Rated Trails

Appendix 2

Weekend Getaways

If you are looking for a 23 day weekend getaway from home, here are some suggested campground, overnight accommodation, and trail combinations.

Great Valley Getaways

Unfortunately, there is a dearth of public campgrounds in the Great Valley region. The best bet is the Sacramento Municipal Utility Districts (SMUD) Rancho Seco Recreation Area Campground (RVs and tents). Phone: 24-hour information line at (209) 748-2318, or for reservations call (916) 732-4913. Website: www.smud.org/about/recreation/rancho.

To compensate for its lack of campgrounds, the Sacramento metropolitan area offers a wide variety of overnight accommodations. Check out the Delta King Hotel, in the historic Delta King Riverboat moored at the Old Sacramento waterfront. Phone (800) 825-5464. Website: www.deltaking.com.

Another option is the Lake Natoma Inn in Folsom, on the banks of beautiful Lake Natoma. Phone: (800) 808-5253, website: www.lakenatomainn.com.

Nearby Great Valley trails include the Howard Ranch Trail, River Walk Trail in the Cosumnes River Preserve, Sacramento Waterfront Loop in Old Sacramento, the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail Loop, and the Lake Natoma Loop in the Folsom State Recreation Area.

Coast Range Getaways

Cache Creek Canyon Regional Park includes a nice family campground on the banks of Cache Creek. The park is at 1475 Hwy 16, Rumsey, CA 95679. For reservations, call the Yolo County Parks Department at (530) 666-8775; reservation email is katherineweiss@yolocounty.com.
Website: www.yolocounty.org/prm/cachecreekpark.htm.

For home-style accommodations, check out the Rumsey Canyon Inn. Phone: (530) 796-2400, website: www.rumseycanyoninn.com.

If youre looking for a zen/spa/clothing-optional experience, visit Wilbur Hot Springs. Phone: (530) 473-2306, website: www.wilburhotsprings.com.

For those looking for a bit of the big city in the country, theres the Cache Creek Casino Resort. Phone: (800) 452-8181, website: www.cachecreek.com.

Nearby Coast Range trails include the Blue Ridge Trail, the Cache Creek Ridge Trail, and the Redbud Trail.

Sierra Foothills Getaways

A favorite commercial campground for families and white-water rafters alike is Camp Lotus, on the banks of the South Fork American River in the Coloma-Lotus area. Phone: (530) 622-0103, website: www.camplotus.com.

The state operates the very rustic five-site Ruck-A-Chucky Campground on the Middle Fork American River in the Auburn State Recreation Area. Phone: (530) 885-4527, website: www.parks.ca.gov (use the sites search function to find the Auburn State Recreation Area page).

The BLM operates the South Yuba River Campground, which is one of the trailheads for the South Yuba River Trail. Phone: (916) 985-4474, website: www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/fo/folsom/yubacampground.

Check out the historic Sierra Nevada Inn in Coloma, which not only provides restful overnight accommodations but fine dining as well. Phone: (530) 626-8096, website: www.sierranevadahouse.com.

Knowledgeable outdoors people recommend the Outside Inn in Nevada City. Phone: (530) 265-2233, website: www.outsideinn.com.

Nearby Sierra foothills trails include the Monroe RidgeMonument Trail, Cronan Ranch Regional Park, Olmstead Loop Trail, American Canyon Loop, Western States-Riverview Trails, Codfish Falls Trail, Empire Mine Loop Trails, and HumbugSouth Yuba River Trail.

Sierra Nevada Getaways

Public campgrounds abound in this region. Hikers visiting trails along Interstate 80 may want to camp at the 7400-foot-high Grouse Ridge Campground, near the trailhead for the Grouse Lakes Loop. Contact the Tahoe National Forest. Phone: (530) 288-3231, website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe (click on Recreational Activities, Yuba River South District, Summer Fun for campsite and access info).

For Hwy 50 trails, try the centrally located Silver Fork Campground at the Caples CreekSilver Fork Loop Trailhead. Contact the Eldorado National Forest. Phone: (530) 644-6048, website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado (click on Recreational Activities, Developed Campgrounds, Hwy 50 area south, Silver Fork Campground).

Woods Lake Campground is near the WinnemuccaRound Top Lakes Loop Trailhead and other Hwy 88 trailheads. Contact the Eldorado National Forest. Phone: (530) 644-6048, website: www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado (click on Recreational Activities, Developed Campgrounds, Hwy 50 area south, Woods Lake Campground).

All three campgrounds are first come, first served, and will likely fill quickly on summer weekends.

For overnight accommodations on I-80, check out the European-style Rainbow Lodge and its excellent restaurant, located in the Big Bend area. Phone: (800) 500-3871, website: www.royalgorge.com (click on Resort Info, Lodging, Rainbow Lodge).

For Hwy 50 trails, visit Strawberry Lodge on Hwy 50 in Kyburz. Phone: (530) 659-7200, website: www.strawberry-lodge.com.

There are several rustic resorts along Hwy 88 in the vicinity of Silver and Caples Lakes, but my favoriteSorensens Resortis just over Carson Pass on Hwy 88 in Hope Valley. Phone: (800) 423-9949, website: www.sorensensresort.com.

Sierra Nevada trails adjacent to accommodations off Interstate 80 include the Grouse Lakes Loop, SalmonLoch Leven Lakes Trail, Pacific Crest Trail to Castle Pass, and the Mount Judah Loop. Trails adjacent to accommodations along highways 50 and 88 include the Caples CreekSilver Fork Loop, Horsetail Falls Trail, Twin Lakes Trail, Lyons Creek Trail, WinnemuccaRound Top Lakes Trail, Shealor Lake Trail, and Lake Margaret Trail.