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Sara Park
4.3 ★★★★☆ 134 Google reviews · Running trail in Sacramento, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Sara Park'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.
Suburban public park featuring peaceful fishing spots scattered along the American River.
What runners say about Sara Park
“Its beautiful here, but there may be some shady characters sometimes so just be aware.”
Snuggled in suburbia, this park is basically an access point to the trails that run along the American River. Parking has never been a problem. Everything is will kept up. Great place to get some light exercise and find some beautiful view of the river. (Photo taken 200 m east of trailhead, not in Sara Park itself)
If you want easy access to the river, this is the place. Parking is limited, but it exists. For those of us who live in this neighborhood, we can walk straight in and pick up one of the many trails or ride your bike onto levee road or, if you're equipped for off-the-road MTB, this is a great place to do that.
This is a great spot to get a nice walk in that has enough shade on the trails to keep you cool on a hot day. There is river access throughout the trail but only some spots where you can chill and actually sit by the river. Can’t beat a great day in nature!
We start at Waterton Access and head east along the American River. Sometimes we hike to the Grist Mill. Other times we head back on the trail before that and get on the levee. Then we exit through the neighborhood and walk back to Waterton. Lovely section of the American River!
Trail conditions & character
“Its beautiful here, but there may be some shady characters sometimes so just be aware.”
“Nice little Hideaway, no pay for parking river spot.”
“Its kinda secluded in a neighborhood area so its not too crowded as of now so thats also nice for social distancing.”
Plan your run at Sara Park
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.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteregionalparks.saccounty.net
- Phone(916) 875-7275
- Social Facebook
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–8 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–8 PM |
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.
Watt Avenue River Access
4.3 ★★★★☆ 475 reviews
Public area offering hiking trails, a public restroom, and a boat launch.
Harrington Way Point
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Area for hiking, rafting, biking, fishing, and picnicking, with access to the American River.
Glenbrook Park River Access
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Hiking area offering access to a river that's good for kids and dogs.
River Bend Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 1,656 reviews
444-acre riverfront park features rafting, equestrian & hiking trails, picnicking space & wildlife.