River Walk

With over 50,000 acres encompassed within the Cosumnes River Preserve, the River Walk Trail is the best way to see the widest portion of the preserve on foot. At 3 miles in length, the River Walk travels past several ponds and alongside the Cosumnes River near its confluence with the Mokelumne River.

The trail path is made up of several large loops, though there are a few cutoff trails along the way, allowing hikers to choose the trail length that fits them best. From the visitor center the signed path crosses a small bridge and then splits with the Wetlands Walk Trail. From the fork, the River Walk follows a hardened dirt path into a wooded area along a pond.

While the preserve as a whole is a popular birding destination, the dense brush along a good portion of the River Walk Trail may make this particular area require a little more patience and a more keen eye to observe birds. Signs at most of the trail forks display where you are, and the generally flat trail makes this an easier walk.

There may be large muddy patches following wet weather, and further along the trail, you must pass beneath a large concrete railroad bridge. However due to the length of this trail, if you're looking to visit the preserve but get away from most other people, this is the path for that.

The Cosumnes River Preserve is open daily from 9am to 5pm. The Visitor Center is open with varying hours. Vault toilets and a water fountain are available at the main parking area. Pets are not permitted at this nature preserve.

More information about the preserve can be found here.