4.7
(73)
3,481
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96
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Road cycling around Gold River, California, is characterized by its extensive network of paved trails along the American River Parkway. The region features riparian forests, greenbelts, and connections to Folsom Lake, offering varied scenery for cyclists. These routes provide a mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, ideal for diverse road cycling experiences.
Last updated: April 24, 2026
5
riders
82.3km
03:29
120m
120m
This 51.2-mile road cycling loop combines the scenic American River Bike Trail with the flat, less crowded Folsom South Canal Trail.
37
riders
92.4km
04:16
900m
900m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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13
riders
57.4km
02:28
190m
190m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
8
riders
36.6km
01:48
220m
220m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
9
riders
96.1km
04:53
1,160m
1,160m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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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.
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Two trail loops, the North and the Interpretative Loop, at the east of Miners Ravine creek, with a large Trailhead parking off Auborn Road.
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Folsom South Canal is a waterway created by water from the American River that is diverted at the Nimbus Dam.
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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.
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From this spot, you can see three bridges that cross the American River. The Rainbow Bridge along Greenback Lane, the Folsom Historic Truss Bridge along the American River Bike Trail, and the bridge along Folsom Boulevard.
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Folsom Historic District is a small area of town that is representative of some of the cultural history of Folsom, dating back to the 1850s. This spot has hundreds of businesses and tons of historical landmarks discussing gold prospectors, the Pony Express, and other notable notches on the city's timeline.
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Also, hardly anyone uses this trail, either on foot or by bike, and it's got good sightlines. It's not the most scenic trail with canal on one side and berm on the other for most of it, which is likely why it's so quiet. But this makes it a great place for training, especially sprints and speed work. There's no problem being in the "skis" on the time trial bike, whereas doing this on the ARBT, with all its traffic, is downright stupid!
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Gold River offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with nearly 90 distinct tours available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 37 easy, 38 moderate, and 13 difficult options.
Road cycling in Gold River primarily features a mostly flat to gently rolling terrain, especially along the American River Parkway. You'll cycle through riparian forests and greenbelts, with connections to Folsom Lake offering varied scenery.
Yes, Gold River is ideal for family-friendly cycling, particularly along the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail within the American River Parkway. This multi-use trail offers a relatively flat and peaceful ride, with paved sections perfect for casual bike rides in a low-traffic environment. The Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge is also a popular car-free crossing for families.
Many routes in Gold River offer scenic stops and pass by interesting landmarks. You can cycle past the beautifully restored Folsom Historic Truss Bridge, visit the Folsom Railroad Museum, or enjoy views of Lake Natoma and the Nimbus Dam. The Sacramento State Aquatic Center on Lake Natoma is also accessible via the cycling trails.
The road cycling routes in Gold River are highly regarded by the komoot community, boasting an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained trails, the scenic beauty of the American River Parkway, and the variety of routes available for different skill levels.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, Gold River offers several difficult routes. One such option is the Folsom Historic District β Folsom Historic Truss Bridge loop from Hazel, a 57.4-mile path with significant elevation gain that takes you through the Folsom Historic District.
Many of the road cycling routes in Gold River are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the American River and Folsom South Canal Trail Loop, which offers scenic views along the American River Parkway.
Gold River, California, generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures, making them ideal. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are still enjoyable. The well-maintained trails along the American River Parkway are accessible year-round.
Absolutely. Gold River has 37 easy routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. The Frank Cirill Recreation Area β Folsom South Canal Trail loop from Fair Oaks Bridge is a great example, a 19.7-mile trail leading through greenbelts and along the Folsom South Canal Trail, often completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
The American River Parkway, which is central to Gold River's cycling, offers numerous access points with parking facilities. Specific parking areas are often available near popular trailheads and parks along the parkway, providing convenient access to the cycling network.
Yes, several routes connect to Folsom Lake, offering varied scenery for longer rides. The Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail extends directly to Folsom Lake, and routes like the Folsom Lake β Lake Natoma loop from Fair Oaks specifically incorporate the lake into their itinerary.


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