The best road cycling routes in Sacramento County
4.6
(161)
6,636
riders
245
rides
Road cycling in Sacramento County features a landscape characterized by the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, providing extensive waterfront views. The terrain is predominantly flat, transitioning to rolling hills and oak woodlands towards the Sierra Nevada foothills. This diverse geography offers a variety of road cycling experiences, from leisurely riverside paths to more challenging routes with varied elevation.
Best road cycling routes in Sacramento County
- The most popular road cycling route is American River Bike Trail: Fair Oaks Loop, a 20.7 miles (33.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This route offers scenic river views and passes by the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Sacramento River loop, an easy 26.4 miles (42.5 km) path. This route provides scenic river views, often passing the Old Sacramento Waterfront and Tower Bridge.
- Local road cyclists also love the Yolo Causeway Bike Path loop, a 38.1 miles (61.3 km) trail leading through agricultural land and waterways, often completed in about 2 hours 22 minutes.
- Road cycling in Sacramento County is defined by the American and Sacramento Rivers, oak woodlands, and a mix of flat to rolling terrain. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy riverside rides to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Sacramento County are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 90 reviews. More than 4000 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Sacramento County's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
4.8
(16)
230
riders
33.4km
01:30
160m
160m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(3)
75
riders
27.8km
01:06
30m
30m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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5.0
(2)
69
riders
20.4km
00:51
30m
30m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(6)
26
riders
36.8km
01:27
20m
20m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
61.3km
02:22
40m
40m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
15
riders
42.5km
01:55
30m
30m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
1
riders
92.3km
03:48
60m
60m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
6
riders
134km
05:05
70m
70m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
60.6km
02:22
50m
50m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5
riders
82.3km
03:29
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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Popular around Sacramento County
Road Cycling Routes around Sacramento
Road Cycling Routes around Lemon Hill
Road Cycling Routes around Citrus Heights
Road Cycling Routes around Folsom
Road Cycling Routes around Fruitridge Pocket
Road Cycling Routes around Rancho Cordova
Road Cycling Routes around Carmichael
Road Cycling Routes around North Highlands
Road Cycling Routes around Foothill Farms
Road Cycling Routes around Fair Oaks
Tips from the Community
The Jedidiah Smith Memorial Trail, also known as the American River Bike Trail, is a 32-mile paved multi-use trail that runs from Discovery Park to Folsom Lake's Beal's Point. It parallels the American River and offers some awesome waterside views.
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Also, hardly anyone uses this trail, either on foot or by bike, and it's got good sightlines. It's not the most scenic trail with canal on one side and berm on the other for most of it, which is likely why it's so quiet. But this makes it a great place for training, especially sprints and speed work. There's no problem being in the "skis" on the time trial bike, whereas doing this on the ARBT, with all its traffic, is downright stupid!
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The Folsom South Canal south terminus is at Sloughhouse Road, where the trail is fenced off. But the trail looks like it's paved, though not in good shape, all the way south to Dillard Rd, near the intersection with Taverner. I'm not sure why this section is closed; it would be a much safer way to get to Taverner than taking Dillard Rd from Jackson/Hwy 16.
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The trail is fixed. No restrictions anymore on Lake Natoma loop.
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There is a big homeless camp on the midtown side of Pipe's Bridge. The tents are on both sides of the bike trail so close the edges of the tents are on the paved trail. Be aware! There are lots of loose aggressive dogs. The dogs come out of the tents and you have no time to react. I hope this area gets cleaned up because it is no longer a safe access to the American River Bike Trail. Bring a lot of pepper spray and be prepared to use it or find another route.
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The Sacramento River is the largest river in California and was once referred to as "the Nile of the West." The river helps support the Sacramento Valley's 2 million acres of irrigated agriculture and is also home to a variety of wildlife.
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Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is a former vineyard transformed into an area of grasslands, wetlands and woodlands. The area is open to the public to explore its natural surroundings and there are a network of fantastic walking trails to discover. There's plenty of amazing wildlife here including blue herons, dragonflies and otters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many road cycling routes are available in Sacramento County?
Sacramento County offers a wide array of road cycling experiences with over 200 routes documented on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy riverside paths to more challenging rides with varied elevation.
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes in Sacramento County?
The region features predominantly flat terrain, especially along the American and Sacramento Rivers, which is ideal for leisurely rides. As you head towards the Sierra Nevada foothills, the landscape transitions to rolling hills and oak woodlands, offering more challenging routes and varied scenery.
Are there family-friendly road cycling routes in Sacramento County?
Yes, many routes are well-suited for families due to their flat, paved surfaces. The American River Parkway, for instance, offers extensive, safe paths. An easy option is the American River Bike Trail Loop, which is 17.3 miles long.
What scenic views and landmarks can I expect on road cycling routes in Sacramento County?
Road cycling routes in Sacramento County often feature scenic riverside paths along the American and Sacramento Rivers. You can also pass by notable landmarks such as the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge, the Guy West Bridge, and the picturesque Lake Natoma area.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Sacramento County?
Sacramento County benefits from a Mediterranean climate with over 250 days of sunshine annually, making it suitable for year-round cycling. Spring and fall offer particularly pleasant temperatures. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon rides are recommended, while winters are generally mild.
Are there any long-distance road cycling routes for experienced riders?
Yes, for experienced riders seeking longer distances, routes like the River Road Bridge loop offer a challenging 83.2-mile ride. The Davis Loop is another moderate option at 57.3 miles, extending towards varied country roads.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Sacramento County?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 90 reviews. Cyclists often praise the extensive, well-maintained trail systems, the scenic riverside views, and the diverse terrain that caters to all ability levels.
Are there road cycling routes that are loop trails?
Yes, many road cycling routes in Sacramento County are designed as loops, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Yolo Causeway Bike Path loop and the Sacramento River Bike Trail loop.
Can I find easy road cycling routes with good parking access?
Many easy routes, especially those along the American River Parkway, have accessible trailheads with parking. The American River Bike Trail offers a straightforward 12.7-mile ride and is known for its convenient access points.
Are there any routes that pass through natural preserves or wildlife areas?
Yes, the region includes routes that traverse or are adjacent to natural areas. The Stone Lakes National Wildlife Refuge loop is an easy 22.8-mile ride that offers opportunities to experience local wildlife and natural landscapes.
Where can I find more information about outdoor activities in Sacramento beyond cycling?
For a broader overview of outdoor activities in the region, including hiking, water sports, and other recreational opportunities, you can visit the Visit Sacramento website.
Are there road cycling routes that connect to other major trails?
The American River Parkway (Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail) is a central hub, connecting to various other trails and extending over 32 miles from Old Sacramento to Folsom Lake. This allows for seamless transitions between different cycling experiences.
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