Last year, this was my most viewed and shared article on FresYes.com, and I’m so happy about that. I put a lot of effort into writing it hoping it would be a thorough enough guide to help even people who’ve never hiked before feel like they had enough information to give it a try.
As the sun has come back out to join us this week, I know spring-like weather is just around the bend and Fresno folks will be looking to get outdoors and start exploring the wonder that is all of our extended backyards again.
So, to ensure everyone has a chance to check out these wonderful trails, we’re republishing my guide to spring hikes near Fresno for all to enjoy:
For those of you who’ve yet to discover the joy of hiking beautiful trails just outside of Fresno, I wanted to offer you three fantastic trails to try out this spring. If you do, I think you just may find yourself addicted like I am!
1. The Bridge Trail at 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, we also saw tarantulas, but they’re not out in the spring. We only saw one or two each time, and they wanted to get far away from us, 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.
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.
Website: http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/san-joaquin-river-gorge-trail
Special Notes & Tips:
Unlike most trails, there are bathrooms at the trailhead (the type that are essentially permanent outhouses, but not incredibly dirty or awful, thankfully) and running water. There is a $5 per vehicle day use fee, so bring $5 cash with you.
The final stretch of Smalley Road is fairly windy, 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, in case you work up quite an appetite hiking!
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.
(By the way, my writing colleague Craig Scharton recently wrote a post highlighting the River Gorge as well. I included it again here because the area is so pretty, I wanted to be sure we nagged you enough into actually going. Is it working?)
2. Lewis Creek Trail
Who’s the trail best for?
People of all ages capable of walking about 4 miles with some considerable uphill walking on the return trip.
What’s to see?
Wildflowers, pine trees, a babbling creek, waterfalls, and possibly large groups of butterflies sunning near the water.
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. It 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.
The 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. Also, 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 and taken others with me 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.
3. Willow Creek Trail
Who’s the trail best for?
Adults and older children/teens capable of walking 4+ miles with some mildly tricky footwork.
What’s to see?
Beautiful wooded mountains, Manzanita trees, a flowing creek, and best of all, gorgeous waterfalls pooling in a multitude of places.
How to get there:
Take 41 North to Road 222/Bass Lake turnoff and stay on 222 until it becomes 274. Look for the Willow Creek/Angel Falls Trailhead parking area on your left-hand side. It will seem like you can turn either left or right to park—you want to go to the right.
Website: http://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/willow-creek-trail
Special Notes & Tips:
This trail offers beautiful sights and waterfalls that are absolutely breathtaking. It also can be a little tricky, as there are a few places where the trail itself is less than obvious and you may find yourself wondering if you’re still on it. You’ll have a good sense of where you are regardless, thanks to the creek running alongside you.
It’s very important to note that the rock where the creek flows is much, much more slippery than it may appear—even in areas where no water is flowing, as the water has smoothed the stone face significantly, making it difficult to keep steady footing unless you have VERY grippy shoes. At one point in one of our walks, our dog slid several feet down the rock face and gave us a good little scare, so this is not a good trail for young children or children who are unlikely to stay on the trail or near adults.
After visiting Willow Creek Trail, my appreciation for the beauty that is practically in our own backyard (this trail is less than one hour from Fresno) grew immensely. Robert’s Frosty Restaurant is also on your way back home from this trail, and you burned the calories, so you deserve a milkshake or some crinkle fries, right?
General Hiking 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.
• All three of these hikes allow dogs on leashes. Many trails do not, like those in national parks, so be cognizant 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.
• As dorky as they may seem, bring a selfie-stick. The sights can be amazing and capturing them with just your arm and the reverse camera mode can be tricky, and you’ll likely want a photo of yourself and your crew in front of the beautiful sites on these trails!
• Respect the trails. Never leave trash behind, take it all back with you, and throw it out properly—and teach children to do the same.
• Due to uneven terrain and/or narrow pathways, none of the trails above are suitable for strollers or wheelchairs (sorry).
• None of the trails mentioned require special 4×4s or SUVs to get to. All can be reached by regular vehicles. These locations should not require snow chains either.
• Have fun!
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