Activities in Sacramento’s big backyard

For best-in-show access to hiking trails, water sports, cycling routes and mountain scenery, there’s no place like Sacramento. The city is within hours of some of California’s most storied destinations, including Gold Country, the High Sierra, Yosemite, Placer County’s public lands, and the Sacramento River Delta. 

Sacramento’s big backyard includes treasures like Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, about 25 miles away. The reservoir in the lower Sierra Nevada foothills has 75 shoreline miles, and it’s beloved for boating, camping, picnicking and paddling. Dogs are not allowed on swimming beaches, but they can splash and swim at select spots in the park. Don’t miss the rearing ponds at the nearby Nimbus Fish Hatchery, where millions of salmon fry are produced.

Continue east to reach the Apple Hill Growers region, north of Placerville, and plot a seasonal tasting tour. Lava Cap and Boeger are two dog-friendly wineries not far off Highway 50. Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms also welcomes pups, and the property’s bakery (open from September through mid-November) is famous for pies. Rainbow Orchards (also open in the fall) produces an array of fresh fruit and pastries and welcomes pets in its picnic area.

Down south in the Sacramento River Delta, Miner’s Leap Winery features well-landscaped grounds and often hosts live music on summer weekends.

Here are more links to check out:

• Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
• Apple Hill
• Dog-friendly Delta