Exploring Sacramento’s wilderness
Sacramento is a city noted for great food, arts and cultural events.
Less well known is its proximity to the great outdoors and a host of natural attractions.
Venture just beyond the city for adventurous outdoor activities like white water rafting, biking and much more.
Explore the city by bicycle
Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Sacramento with more than 32 miles of paved bike trail along the scenic American River Parkway. Cyclists can hop on the trail at many different points and ride along the river, or rent a bike in Old Sacramento to tour the city. Many hotels offer bike rental services as well as bike rental stores around in the city.
Head out on a hike
Central Sacramento is largely free from elevation so makes for easy walking throughout the city, or nearby Lake Natoma provides visitors with the perfect playground for hikes. For something a little more adventurous, a quick drive-up Highway 50 takes visitors to the Auburn State Recreation Area, where hikers will be rewarded with spectacular views of foothill gorges, rivers and waterfalls.
Take a raft down the American River
For more daring activities, white water rafting is a popular activity as the city sits at the confluence of the American and Sacramento rivers. The American River is perfect for all abilities. OARS is based under an hour outside of Sacramento and offers half-day trips to two-day getaways where guests can camp by the river overnight.
Explore nature
Sacramento has a variety of camping options, all easily accessible from the city itself. Campgrounds at natural adventure areas offer easy access to a variety of outdoor activities such as the American River Parkway bike trail, rafting, hiking, equestrian trails and more.
Abundant birdwatching opportunities
Sacramento’s riverside location means the region welcomes millions of migratory birds each fall and winter. Winged visitors make their way to flooded rice fields, nature preserves, parks and refuges. Birdwatchers can catch a glimpse of ducks, sandhill cranes, Canada geese, snow geese and tundra swans in the Sacramento Valley.
Related News Stories: Eagle Falls and Eagle Lake: A popular destination worth exploring ... Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Used Defender for Sale | Land Rover Sacramento Exploring the Panamint Valley, Surprise Canyon Creek, and Death ... Challenge Center - ASI Peak Adventures Mendocino National Forest - Red Bluff Recreation Area Wilderness Archery Sacramento Mountains Nebraska Game & Parks Commission | Explore Nebraska Today Explore Outdoor Wonder at Lincoln National Forest
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season