Fall weather is finally upon us in Fresno, which means there is now a short window of time to enjoy nearby mountain hiking trails minus the heat of summer and before it gets too cold and snowy to enjoy them. Here are three awesome trails I would personally recommend for anyone trying to get a day hike in before the winter weather hints*. (*Always check road and weather conditions prior to venturing up for a hike.)
Trail #1: The Bridge Trail @ River Gorge
Who’s the trail best for?
People of all ages, cyclists, and anyone capable of walking about 2 miles on mostly flat ground.
What’s to see?
Wildflowers, the beautiful San Joaquin River from the San Joaquin River Trail Bridge, Big Sandy Creek, oak forest, and if you’re lucky, grazing cattle. In the fall, you may also see tarantulas! They are big, cool to look at, and non-aggressive – they prefer to stay away from people – so fear not if you’re an arachnophobe. I too have a healthy fear of spiders, but tarantulas are so large and move so slowly they are surprisingly less alarming than other spiders when you see them in the wild.
How to get there:
Take 168 North until it ends and becomes Auberry Road. Remain on Auberry Road for about 18 miles until you can make a left on Powerhouse Road. From Powerhouse, you’ll make another left onto Smalley at the San Joaquin River Gorge Special Recreational Management Area entrance. Remain on Smalley until you see a parking lot on your right for camping or day use and signs for the Wuh-ki’o/Pa’san Ridge Trails.
Special Notes & Tips:
Unlike most trails, there are bathrooms at the trailhead (the type that are essentially permanent outhouses) with running water. There is a $5 per vehicle day use fee, so bring $5 cash with you. The final stretch of Smalley Road is winding, so plan to take your time, especially if you’re traveling with someone who becomes car sick easily. The total trip from Fresno takes just under an hour.
The Shell Station at the end of 168 where the road becomes just Auberry Road has great hand-scooped ice cream and mojo potatoes among other goodies if you work up quite an appetite hiking! Also, the walk to the Bridge along the trail is a short walk. The other two trails are significantly longer and more uphill, so don’t feel like you need to go much further than the Bridge if you’re just looking for a leisurely day-hike or if you have young children in tow.
See also: San Joaquin River Gorge: A fun hiking adventure (for the whole family!)
Trail #2: Lewis Creek Trail
Who’s the trail best for?
People of all ages that are capable of walking about 4 miles with some considerable uphill walking on the return trip.
What’s to see?
Wildflowers, pine trees, a bubbling, babbling creek, and waterfalls
How to get there:
Take 41 North toward Bass Lake. Continue past Coarsegold and Oakhurst, and into the area just after the Bass Lake turnoffs. Watch for the large Lewis Creek Trailhead parking area, which will be on your right-hand side about 50 minutes from Fresno.
Special Notes & Tips:
This trail is well-traveled and you’re unlikely to be the only group hiking in the area. The trail is beautiful and offers a spectacular view of a waterfall that you can enjoy watching from a redwood observation deck and bench built into the trail. This trail can get a bit tricky in a few places if it’s muddy or if tree limbs are hanging low, and sometimes these tricky places can be in a narrower or steeper spot, so you’ll definitely want to keep a close eye on young children to ensure they have steady footing. The return hike can be steep for someone who doesn’t get regular cardio exercise, so prepare to return more slowly than you hiked out and take breaks if needed.
This is one of the most beautiful trails I’ve experienced and I’ve gone back multiple times already and taken others with me each time so they could experience it. For a tasty bite after your hike, swing by Robert’s Frosty Restaurant – a great, old-fashioned shake and burger place with delicious onion rings, soft-serve cones, and thick milkshakes with all the best mix-ins.
See also: Day Hike Destination: Lewis Creek Trail
Trail #3: Rancheria Falls
Who’s the trail best for?
People willing to drive a bit further for a trail (about an hour and forty-minute drive from Fresno) who like waterfall views
What’s to see?
Pretty trees, a wooden bridge, chipmunks, and a beautiful waterfall at the top of the trail.
How to get there:
Take 168 North toward Shaver Lake. Continue past Shaver Lake about 1-mile past China Peak (above Huntington Lake). Look for the trail turnoff and small parking area on your right-hand side. There will be a sign pointing to the Rancheria Falls Trailhead, and an unpaved road. Continue the unpaved road for 1.3 miles to the parking lot. From here, the hike is short, just about 2 miles up and back. For a more challenging, 4-mile hike, you can hike from the turnoff directly off of 168.
Special Notes & Tips:
This trail is at a higher elevation than the other two, so there is a possibility of icy or snowy conditions early in the fall season. I last visited just a week ago (October 17th), and there was some frozen snow on the ground in patches and on a portion of the trail. The hike to the falls is pretty much all uphill and the hike back is naturally downhill. Keep an eye on pets and children near the falls, as it can be steep and rocky directly to the side of the trail.
General Tips:
- Check out the All Trails app or website for additional information and reviews from other hikers on these trails and others. I use this app all the time to help me plan hikes!
- Always assume the hikes and drives will take longer than you think. Give yourself plenty of time before sunset to complete your hikes so you’re not out after dark, unprepared.
- All three of these hikes allow leashed dogs, but not all trails do, so please be aware of that.
- Pack plenty of snacks and more water than you think you’ll need and dress in layers. Be sure your backpack has padded straps.
- Respect the trails – never leave trash behind, take it all back with you, throw it out properly and teach children to do the same.
- Unfortunately, due to uneven terrain and/or narrow pathways these trails are not stroller or wheelchair friendly.
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