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Howe River Access

4.3 ★★★★☆ 588 Google reviews · Running trail in Sacramento, California · Posted hours

Runner's snapshot

Surface
Not reported
Distance
Not reported
Shape
Not reported
Shade
Tree cover
Access
Posted hours

Confirmed from Howe River Access' 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.

ShadedScenicTrailhead parking

What runners say about Howe River Access

Pulled from public reviews of this trail (588 of them) — the things people bring up again and again, in their own words. Nothing here is written by us.

🏞️ beautiful scenery 5 mentions

“It's very shallow without a boat but beautiful.”

🌳 shaded & cool 3 mentions

“Best of you come with some kind of shade maker, because it's hot during the day but the water is lovely.”

🌾 quiet & peaceful 3 mentions

“Nice quiet area without all the extra people & noise.”

I love sitting out on the water during the evening. If you fish you'll see some big fish come near the bank. The early morning as well. Best of you come with some kind of shade maker, because it's hot during the day but the water is lovely. Some spots you will get a snag but it's fun. Come find me there.

★★★★☆ — Timotheus , Jul 2024

Having the American river parkway that runs east to west in the Sacramento region is a true gift. We have something many areas dont, I truly enjoy the nature we have in our backyards! Hiking, biking, kayaking!!!

★★★★★ — Jeremy , Dec 2024

A great place to bring your family & dogs. You can go fishing, have a picnic, swim, or stroll the trails. Beautiful scenery too!

★★★★★ — Elizabeth , May 2021

This is a great spot for paddle boarding. Pay to park at the box at the stop sign when you come in. You can also park on the street before you come in the gate but it is a good walk if you carry your board. There is an easy entry, a boat ramp and shoreline. If you stay to the right you will be in a gentle current.

★★★★★ — Allora , Oct 2024

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 588 reviews →

Trail conditions & character

What this trail is actually like underfoot and overhead, taken from its own listing and from reviews. Each one links to every other trail with the same character. Busy or quiet is reported as a plain fact, not a plus or a minus — a runner heading out alone at dawn often wants company on the path, and someone running intervals wants an empty one.

🏞️ Scenic views 6 mentions

“We walked towards Watt Ave and this section of the trail doesn't offer many views on the river but a lot of this section is wooded which is nice too.”

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🌳 Shaded / tree cover 4 mentions

“We walked towards Watt Ave and this section of the trail doesn't offer many views on the river but a lot of this section is wooded which is nice too.”

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🅿️ Trailhead parking 3 mentions

“You can park at the road or inside the parking area.”

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Plan your run at Howe River Access

The practical stuff

  • AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
  • 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 — reported by runners

Hours

Monday 6 am–5:30 pm
Tuesday 6 am–5:30 pm
Wednesday 6 am–5:30 pm
Thursday 6 am–5:30 pm
Friday 6 am–5:30 pm
Saturday 6 am–5:30 pm
Sunday 6 am–5:30 pm

Posted hours for the park or trailhead. Gates and parking lots often close earlier than the trail itself, and seasonal hours change — worth a check before a pre-dawn or after-dark run.

Where to find Howe River Access

7929 La Riviera Dr, Sacramento, CA 95826

Get directions

Running trails near Sacramento

Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.

University and Guy West Bridge, Sacramento, Ca

4.7 ★★★★★ 12 reviews

Sacramento, CA

under a mile away

Kadema Drive River Access

4.5 ★★★★★ 42 reviews

Sacramento, CA

Scenic

under a mile away

Glenbrook Park River Access

4.2 ★★★★☆ 83 reviews

Sacramento, CA

PavedDog-friendly

Hiking area offering access to a river that's good for kids and dogs.

under a mile away

Watt Avenue River Access

4.3 ★★★★☆ 475 reviews

Sacramento, CA

Scenic

Public area offering hiking trails, a public restroom, and a boat launch.

1.4 miles away

Sara Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ 134 reviews

Sacramento, CA

Scenic

Suburban public park featuring peaceful fishing spots scattered along the American River.

2.4 miles away

McKinley Park

4.6 ★★★★★ 4,634 reviews

Sacramento, CA

ShadedScenicDog-friendly

Relaxing preserve featuring a rose garden, seasonal pool, playgrounds, tennis courts & trails.

3.3 miles away

All running trails in Sacramento, CA →

Nearby towns

Listing verified July 2026 from public records, the trail's own website and runner reviews. Trail conditions change — paths flood, gates close at dusk, and shaded woods stay muddy for days after rain. Something out of date? Report a correction. Manage this trail? Send us the details — it is free.