Hikes Near Me in Fresno California | Best Trails and Parks
Fresno may not be the most famous city in California but it has a charming downtown. The best thing about Fresno is its natural beauty, which can be found within 100 miles of the city center. These areas are great for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. These amazing hiking trails are worth a look if you’re looking for a place to hike next time. And here this article will help you if you are searching for hikes near me in Fresno.
These fantastic trails are available for those who have yet to experience the joy of hiking in Fresno’s beautiful countryside. You may soon find yourself hooked like us!
Table of Contents
1. Lewis S. Eaton Trail
The 12.4-kilometer Lewis S Eaton Trail, which is heavily used out and back near Fresno in California, features a river. It is moderately rated. It is open all year and can be used for running, hiking, nature trips, mountain biking, and other activities. This trail is also open to dogs, but they must be on a leash.
People of any age can walk approximately 4 miles, with some uphill walking on their return.
What will you see in Lewis S. Eaton Trail
You can find wildflowers, pine trees, a babbling creek, and waterfalls. If you are lucky then you may get a chance to see large numbers of butterflies near the water.
How to get there:
There are several ways to access the trail.
Vehicles (including horse-drawn trailers): Woodward Park offers trailhead parking for a daily fee. You can also park at no cost at the Coke Hallowell Center of River Studies, Old Friant Road.
At the southeast corner of Friant Road/Copper Avenue intersection, you will find a Trailhead offering free parking.
Bikes: The intersections of Audubon and Fort Washington, Champlain, Copper, and Copper provide access points for Friant Road cyclists.
Bus: Route 30 (equipped with bicycle racks) stops at Friant Road and Audubon.
2. The Bridge Trail At River Gorge
Wildflowers, San Joaquin River Trail Bridge, Big Sandy Creek, and oak forest, as well as grazing cattle if you are lucky. We also saw tarantulas in the fall. They aren’t out in spring, however, we only saw one or two of them each time, and they wanted to move away from us.
So if you fear arachnophobia, don’t worry. Although I have a healthy fear for spiders, tarantulas are much larger and move slower than other spiders in the wild.
Getting There: The Bridge Trail At River Gorge
Continue on 168 North until the road ends at Auberry Road. Continue on Auberry Road for approximately 18 miles, then turn left onto Powerhouse Road.
You’ll take another left onto Smalley just before you reach the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreational Management Area entry.
Continue on Smalley to the entrance to San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreational Management Area. There is a parking area on your right that you can use for day or camping. Also, there are signs for Wuh-ki’o/Pa’san Trails.
3. Tom Macmichael Senior Trail: Parks in Fresno CA
The Tom Macmichael Senior Trail, a moderately-used loop trail that runs for 5.5 kilometers near Fresno in California, is suitable for all levels of skill. It is open all year and offers many activities. This trail is also open to dogs, but they must be on a leash.
How to Get There?
Take the Friant Road exit from CA 41. Continue northeast on Friant Road for approximately 1.3 miles until you reach the sign-left turn into Woodward Park.
Pay the fee at the entrance station. Continue 0.1 miles on Yosemite Road to a junction. Continue driving 1.1 miles until you reach the Sunset View parking lot on your left. You can park in the lot. The broad, unsigned trail can be accessed via any one of the many social routes that run along the park road.
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4.Willow Creek Trail: Hikes Near Me in Fresno CA
You will see Beautiful forests, Manzanita trees and flowing streams that make this a beautiful area.The trail is filled with breathtaking waterfalls and stunning sights. The trail may get a little tricky as it is not always obvious. You may have to wonder if you are still on the path. The creek will help you keep track of your location. It is important to remember that the rock near the creek is slippery, even though it appears smooth.
The water has made the stone surface much harder to grip, so it is difficult to maintain a steady footing without very grippy shoes. Our dog fell several feet down the rock face at one point and caused us some serious injuries. This trail is not recommended for children under five years old or those who have trouble staying on the trail.
Getting There: Willow Creek Trail
Continue on 41 North until you reach Road 222/Bake Lake Turnoff. On your left, you will see the Willow Creek/Angel Falls Trailhead parking area. You will see that you have the option to turn left or right to park. If you choose to go to the right, it will appear as if you can.
5. China Creek Park Nature Trail: Parks in Fresno CA
China Creek Park, which covers more than 120 acres of unspoiled wilderness, is a hidden treasure that all your friends will love to discover. Although there are no amenities, the park’s beauty and natural beauty make up for it.
The park has a trail that runs through it. You’ll find amazing wildlife, native plants, and birdwatching opportunities here. To ensure that this hike remains unspoiled, it is important to not leave any trace.
6. Cedar Grove Trails: Parks in Fresno
Kings Canyon National Park is located just one hour east of Fresno. It offers stunning views of the Sierra Nevada Mountains set against lush greenery, and beautiful alpine lakes.
Cedar Grove is the town that delves deepest into the park, and its trails are known as some of the greatest in California. There are 10 routes that run through the park. Most are suitable for all levels of hiking and ages.
Three miles long, the Roaring River Falls Trail gives you unparalleled access to a waterfall that roars through granite rocks.
The Lookout Creek Trail offers a stunning view of the backcountry and is more strenuous. The 13-mile trek climbs 4,000 feet to reach the summit of the lookout.
7. Oso de Oro Park Path: Best For People Searching Hikes Near Me in Fresno
Oso de Oro Park Path, a 0.6-kilometer loop trail that is lightly used near Fresno in California, features a lake. It is suitable for all levels of skill. This trail can be used for running, walking, and bird watching. This trail is also open to dogs, but they must be on a leash.
This asphalted route runs around Oso de Oro Park. You will find a small pond, open areas of sand and grass, a playground and a basketball court.
9 spaces are designated as accessible in the paved parking area off North Forkner Avenue, at the west end of the trail. They are all accessible via vans with striped access walkways. Smooth, at least 5 feet in width, the trail surface is either a smooth concrete boardwalk or a boardwalk with railings. Flat grade (1% or less) is the estimated grade.
The trail is likely to be accessible for most users of wheelchairs/mobility equipment and strollers. You can rest at the benches and picnic tables located along the route. The park website states that there is a wheelchair basketball court as well as a maze for visually impaired people.
8. Sequoia National Park: Best Parks in Fresno CA
From Fresno, it takes about an hour to reach the destination. But once you are there, you will be amazed at the beauty of the natural world around you. Sequoia National Park’s trails lead through massive trees that dominate the landscape.
The General Sherman Trail, which takes you to General Sherman, the world’s largest single-stemmed tree, is a must-see while you are here. You’ll want to show off your photos to your friends.
9. Hidden Homes Nature Trail: Trail in Fresno
Hidden Homes Nature Trail, a moderately-trafficked loop trail that runs 0.6 kilometers near Fresno in California, features a lake. It is suitable for all levels of skill. You can enjoy a variety of activities on the trail, and it is best to use it between March and October.
The gravel nature trail is family-friendly and has many interactive exhibits that everyone can enjoy. There are many tiny animals, such as bunnies and dragonflies, but it is not crowded.
10. Woodward Park: Hiking Near Fresno
This park is perfect for those times when you need to go on a short hike right in your backyard. It is the oldest of Fresno’s three city parks. This park has everything you need for a city hike, making it convenient for weekends when you don’t want to travel far.
There’s plenty to do here: a Japanese garden and zoo, an amphitheater with a fence, a dog park, and a trail that you can horseback ride along for two miles. Fancy seeing a tiger mid-hike? This is the place to do it. There are plenty of shade trees for hot summer days.
11. Fresno County Bridle Trail, Fresno
Fresno County Bridle Trail, a 4.3-kilometer trail that is lightly used out and back near Fresno in California, is suitable for all levels of hikers.
It is ideal for running, walking, horseback riding, and even road biking. This trail is also open to dogs, but they must be on a leash.
Fresno County Bridle Trail runs along Sunnyside Fresno’s canal banks. There are multiple entrances to the trail with different scenery. Two mapped entrances can be found on Dewitt/Kings Canyon, and Clovis Ave near the tracks south of Kings Canyon.
There are benches, trees and other plants marked with scientific names near this entrance. These signs enhance the beauty of this section. The third southern entrance is located on Church, just west of Clovis Ave. This stretch has less shade.
The path is easy enough to push a stroller on and it is generally pleasant. Families will be walking, cycling and running alongside joggers. All along the canal, ducks can be seen in the water.
12. Courthouse Park Loop: Hikes in Fresno
Courthouse Park Loop, a 1.0-kilometer loop trail that is lightly used near Fresno in California, is suitable for all levels. This trail is mostly used for running and walking. This can be your hike near me destination for Fresno.
This central Fresno trail runs around Courthouse Park. The grounds include the County Courthouse, Law Library and Sheriff’s Office as well as the Hall of Records.
