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Cosumnes River Preserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,390 Google reviews · Running trail in Galt, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Mixed
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Cosumnes River Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Wetland walking trails, a boardwalk with a wildlife viewing deck & a visitor's center with tours.
What runners say about Cosumnes River Preserve
“Beautiful scenery and awesome wildlife — great for a quick stroll or hours to observe and walk all the paved/wooden walkways.”
“Much of the trail around the water has 0 shade and plenty of gnats, so I'd recommend sunscreen and insect repellent.”
“Beautiful place, great and easy trails and boardwalk through the wetlands .”
We went there mid-February to check if we can spot some cranes, but we didn't see any. We're still lucky to be able to spot a great egret. The trails were nice to walk if you want to do a short hike. It was a great day!
Lovely area to enjoy the outdoors along the Cosummes River. Plenty of free parking with a nice Visitor Center. Different trails to walk that are easy for people or all ages. Many people taking out canoes and kayaks on the river and lots of birdwatching to be had. We had a great day outdoors.
Loved this trail. Very easy 1.5-5 mile trek, depending on how many trails you try. The best time to come.is sunrise and sunset , to see the bird flocks leaving or returning. Beautiful photo opportunities. If you are a bird lover this place is definitely for you.
What a great place to explore nature! Foggy day but fall colors still holding on & sun peeked out for a bit. Wetlands trail & river walk full of life. Saw hundreds of amanita mushrooms, deer, squirrels, egrets, ducks, & soo many other birds.
Trail conditions & character
“Beautiful scenery and awesome wildlife — great for a quick stroll or hours to observe and walk all the paved/wooden walkways.”
“The parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends, so I usually try to visit on weekdays when it’s quieter.”
“Much of the trail around the water has 0 shade and plenty of gnats, so I'd recommend sunscreen and insect repellent.”
“One thing I really appreciate is that there are restroom facilities available, which is always helpful when spending a few hours out birding.”
“Beautiful scenery and awesome wildlife — great for a quick stroll or hours to observe and walk all the paved/wooden walkways.”
“Beautiful place, great and easy trails and boardwalk through the wetlands .”
Plan your run at Cosumnes River Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfaceMixed — more than one surface along the route, so check the segment you plan to run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- Websitecosumnes.org
- Phone+1 916-684-2816
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Tuesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Wednesday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Thursday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Friday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Saturday | 9 am–5 pm |
| Sunday | 9 am–5 pm |
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