The best walks and hikes around Granite Bay
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Hiking around Granite Bay is centered on the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, located at the base of the Sierra Nevada foothills. The landscape is defined by rolling hills, expansive oak woodlands, and distinctive granite outcroppings. The trail network primarily follows the shoreline of Folsom Lake, offering routes with varied terrain.
Best hiking trails around Granite Bay
- The most popular hiking route is Doton's Point and Blue Pipe Loop, a 4.0 miles (6.5 km) trail that takes 1 hourโฆ
Last updated: April 26, 2026
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hikers
3.06km
00:49
30m
40m
This easy hike on the Granite Bay to Beals trail offers a refreshing 1.9-mile (3.1 km) journey along the Folsom Lake shoreline. You will gain a modest 98 feet (30โฆ
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hikers
6.52km
01:47
100m
100m
The Doton's Point and Blue Pipe Loop offers an easy hiking experience, covering 4.1 miles (6.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 315 feet (96 metres). You can expectโฆ
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1
hikers
2.01km
00:34
50m
50m
Hike the easy 1.2-mile Sterling Point Trail Loop near Loomis, California, for peaceful views of Folsom Lake and natural terrain.
6.38km
01:42
60m
90m
Embark on an easy hike to Avery's Pond via the Pioneer Express Trail, a 4.0-mile (6.4 km) route that takes about 1 hour and 42 minutes. You'll gain a gentleโฆ
7.85km
02:10
140m
120m
Hike 4.9 miles (7.9 km) from Lomida Lane to the North Fork of Folsom Lake, exploring rolling hills and the historic North Fork Ditch.
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Tips from the Community
Sandy beach at the trailhead for the unpaved continuation of the waterfront trail coming from Folsom, heading along the shore toward the American River Canyon.
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Doton's Point is an area and a trail along the western shore of Folsom Lake. The trail leads through grasslands, offers nice views of the lake and features opportunities to get down to its shores.
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You can get good views over Folsom Lake from here. It's also a beautiful area to cycle through with a nice rural feel to it on a back country road. You can get closer to the shoreline if you wish, depending on your tires, as there are decent off road trails that go through the grassland towards the lake. There are also rest room facilities here.
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Doton's Point is an area and a trail along the western shore of Folsom Lake. The trail leads through grasslands, offers nice views of the lake and features opportunities to get down to its shores.
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This tranquil pond has a loop trail around it and is a great spot for observing beautiful wildflowers as well as a local turtle population.
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Doton's Point is an area and a trail along the western shore of Folsom Lake. The trail leads through grasslands, offers nice views of the lake and features opportunities to get down to its shores.
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This tranquil pond has a loop trail around it and is a great spot for observing beautiful wildflowers as well as a local turtle population.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in Granite Bay?
Yes, the area offers several accessible trails perfect for families. The Doton's Point loop is a great option, offering a pleasant 2.2-mile (3.5 km) walk within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Another choice is the Miners Ravine Nature Reserve, which features a paved, flat trail suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, with interpretive signs about local history and nature.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Granite Bay?
Dogs are generally welcome on the trails within the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, provided they are on a leash no longer than six feet. Always check specific trail regulations before you go and be sure to bring water for your pet, especially during warmer months.
What are the best trails for lake views?
Many trails in Granite Bay offer stunning views of Folsom Lake. The trail system around the Granite Bay entrance of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area features numerous paths that wind through hills bordering the lake, providing rewarding vistas from higher elevations. The Granite Bay loop is a short but scenic option that keeps you close to the water.
What is the best time of year to hike in Granite Bay?
The best times to hike around Granite Bay are in the spring and fall. Spring brings pleasant temperatures and beautiful wildflower displays. Autumn offers cooler weather, making for comfortable hiking conditions. Summers can be very hot, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning and carry plenty of water.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The oak woodlands and lakeside environment support a variety of wildlife. It's common to see deer, squirrels, and a wide array of birds, including eagles and ospreys near the lake. In Miners Ravine, you might even spot spawning salmon in the creek during the fall and winter.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, Granite Bay has several loop trails. The trail system within the Granite Bay section of Folsom Lake State Recreation Area has many intersecting paths that can be combined to form loops of various lengths, eventually leading back to the main trail system. This makes it easy to customize the length of your hike.
What are the parking options for the trails?
The primary access to the trails is through the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, which has several entrance points with paid parking lots, including at Granite Bay and Beal's Point. These lots provide direct access to the trail network. Arriving early on weekends is recommended as these areas are popular.
How many hiking trails are there around Granite Bay?
There are over 60 designated hiking routes to explore around Granite Bay. The trails range from easy, flat paths along the lakeshore to more moderate routes with rolling hills, offering plenty of options for all fitness levels.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the Granite Bay area?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community. Reviewers often praise the beautiful views of Folsom Lake, the well-maintained trails through rolling oak woodlands, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Are the trails suitable for trail running?
Absolutely. The rolling terrain and network of singletrack trails, particularly the Granite Bay Trail, are very popular with trail runners. The constant curves and banked corners offer a fun and challenging run with rewarding lake views.
How do I get to the Granite Bay hiking trails by public transport?
Public transportation options to the trailheads are limited. The most convenient way to access the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area and other trail systems is by car. Check local transit authorities for any services that may run near the park entrances, but plan on driving for the most direct access.
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