If you’re looking for a beautiful way to kick off a spring day, I have a fantastic nature walk/mini hike to recommend! Recently, I went with a group of friends on the Van Buren Trail for the first time, and let me just say—if you haven’t been yet, I think you’re going to love it just as much as I did.
The Van Buren trailhead is tucked just north of Fresno, off the Rio Mesa Blvd exit on 41 North (just past Woodward Park). Once you take the exit, hang a right onto Cobb Ranch Blvd and follow the road as it backtracks along the freeway. There are two ways to access the trail:
- Option 1: Park across from the Valley Golf driving range on the side of the road. Walk in under the gate and stay to your left (don’t veer right onto the private farm property).
- Option 2: Continue past the Valley Golf turnoff and pull over near a dirt side road—you’ll be able to walk down to the main trailhead from there. (Google Maps will take you to the trailhead, so just follow its lead!)
So, why do I love this trail? First, it’s super convenient—close to town and easy to work into your day without needing to plan a whole hiking trip. Second, it’s a bit of a choose-your-own-adventure. The trail splits off in a few directions: one path leads through grassy, marshy areas with lots of bird watching (herons!), another takes you closer to the river for scenic water views, and a third route gives you a bit of elevation with fun little hills to scramble up and snap some great shots of the river below.
When we went, it was a crisp, sunny Saturday morning—classic spring weather—and the trail wasn’t crowded at all. There’s a mix of shade and sun, so I recommend sunscreen, water, and maybe a snack if you plan to linger. There are benches here and there and a picnic table towards the center of the trail too if you’d like to sit and take in the scenery and relax for awhile. It’s a family- and dog-friendly trail (leashes required, of course), and most of the terrain is flat and easy to manage. There are a few sections where the trail narrows and there’s a small drop-off, so keep an eye on little ones. And because this trail runs near the river, water safety is a must—those calm surfaces can hide strong currents, so stay cautious and keep kids close.
On our walk, we spotted birds, squirrels, lizards, and even a (non-living) garter snake. It’s always a good idea to stay alert in brushy areas—you never know what critters might be hanging out!
So if you’re craving some fresh air, pretty views, and a mini nature escape without going far from home, give the Van Buren Trail a try. It’s one of those quiet gems that make you feel like you’ve stumbled onto a secret. Happy hiking—and tag us if you go! We’d love to see your pretty nature pics!
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