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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
California
Sacramento County
North Highlands

Bridge over American River – American River Bike Trail loop from Watt/I-80

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
California
Sacramento County
North Highlands

Bridge over American River – American River Bike Trail loop from Watt/I-80

Moderate

4.9

(8650)

8,651

riders

Bridge over American River – American River Bike Trail loop from Watt/I-80

03:05

66.1km

250m

Road cycling

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 28, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 0 m for 234 m

After 33.7 km for 88 m

After 38.2 km for 246 m

After 65.9 km for 249 m

Waypoints

A

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

12.9 km

American River Parkway

Nature Reserve

2

25.9 km

American River crossing - Hazel Ave Bridge Fish Hatchery View

Highlight • Bridge

Enjoy wonderful views down the mighty American River from this pedestrian and cycling path that runs alongside Hazel Avenue.

Tip by

3

26.4 km

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

4

38.3 km

Hagan Community Park

Highlight • Rest Area

Beautiful waterside park featuring well-maintained paths, an athletic field, restrooms and a small lake. The paths are paved and entirely flat.

Tip by

5

42.9 km

Bridge over American River

Highlight • Bridge

A wide bike bridge and beautiful views of the river... hard to beat!

Tip by

6

42.9 km

The Harold Richey Memorial Bicycle Bridge, named after county commissioner Harold M. Richey and dedicated to him in 1987, is popular with families and cyclists, especially on weekends. The bridge …

Tip by

7

49.5 km

American River Bike Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

The American River Bike Trail is also referred to as the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail and runs 32 miles from Folsom to Old Sacramento, paralleling the American River.

Tip by

B

66.1 km

End point

Train Station

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Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

36.4 km

15.7 km

10.2 km

2.46 km

992 m

272 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

52.8 km

12.0 km

1.23 km

< 100 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (70 m)

Lowest point (10 m)

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Weather

Powered by Foreca

Today

Sunday 28 June

30°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Description

If you're seeking a substantial road cycling route that combines natural beauty with urban accessibility, the Bridge over American River – American River Bike Trail loop from Watt/I-80 is an excellent choice. This moderate 41.0-mile (66.1 km) ride features 810 feet (247 metres) of elevation gain and takes approximately 3 hours and 5 minutes to complete, making it ideal for cyclists who want a rewarding workout without overly technical terrain.

What to expect on Bridge over American River – American River Bike Trail loop from Watt/I-80

This loop offers a predominantly flat and smooth paved surface, perfect for road bikes. As you pedal, you'll enjoy picturesque riverside vistas, with the scenery transitioning between open grassy stretches, shaded wooded areas, and various parks. Keep an eye out for the iconic Guy West Bridge, a notable landmark designed to resemble the Golden Gate Bridge, which connects to Sacramento State University. The minimal elevation changes mean this is an easy road cycling adventure, suitable for all skill levels, whether you're looking for a relaxed spin or a longer excursion.

Planning your visit

Accessing the trail is convenient, with numerous access points around the Watt/I-80 area, including parking. Along the route, you'll find amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and sometimes even bike repair stations at major parks. For those using public transport, the Sacramento Regional Transit's Gold Line runs parallel to the trail from Watt Avenue, providing an easy connection. The trail is suitable for year-round use, offering a reliable option regardless of the season.

Trail details

  • Distance: 41.0 miles (66.1 km)
  • Elevation gain: 810 feet (247 metres)
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Estimated time: 3 hours and 5 minutes

Nearby routes

Easy

4.8

230

American River Bike Trail: Fair Oaks Loop

01:30h

33.4km

160m

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