Nimbus Dam – Lake Natoma loop from Aerojet Rocketdyne

Hiking trails & Routes

Sacramento County

Gold River

Nimbus Dam – Lake Natoma loop from Aerojet Rocketdyne

Easy

hikers

Nimbus Dam – Lake Natoma loop from Aerojet Rocketdyne

01:36

6.31km

20m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

175 m

Nimbus Dam

Highlight • Structure

Nimbus Dam is a hydroelectric dam located along the American River in Sacramento. It's 87 feet tall and spans 1,093 feet wide and creates Lake Natoma reservoir.

Tip by

376 m

Sacramento State Aquatic Center

Highlight • Rest Area

If you're up for a day of fun on Lake Natoma, check out this aquatic center. They offer classes and equipment rentals for various watersports like sailing, rowing, paddling, windsurfing, …

Tip by

413 m

The Sacramento State Aquatic Center is a cooperative operation of the Associated Students Inc. of California State University, Sacramento, the University Union of Sac State, California Division of Boating and …

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857 m

Beach on Lake Natoma

Highlight • Beach

This cozy beach, nestled along the shores of Lake Natoma, offers an ideal setting for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply relishing the beautiful views over the water. Linked to a spacious park, it boasts numerous walking trails for added enjoyment

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3.23 km

American River Auxiliary Trail turn-off

Highlight • Trail

From this spot, you can exit the paved American River Trail onto a shorter, packed-dirt trail that follows the same direction as the paved trail. Both trails are multi-use, so watch out for hikers.

Tip by

3.51 km

Lake Natoma

Highlight • Lake

Lake Natoma is a freshwater reservoir created by the Nimbus Dam. This is a particularly good spot to stop and catch a good photo opportunity with the clear waters of the lake behind you.

Tip by

6.31 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

2.97 km

2.60 km

749 m

Surfaces

2.97 km

2.05 km