Hinkle Creek Loop Trail, Folsom, CA - A Magical, Family Friendly Hike in Pure Nature

7000 Baldwin Dam Rd, Folsom, CA 95630

Directions

Park Hours: 7am to one hour after sunset

916-461-6601

If fairies were real, this is where you would find them.  

Lush areas of green grass, a winding dirt trail among tall, whimsical trees, rocks overgrown with moss, a creek with an inviting stone pathway leading to the unknown, and the indescribable feeling of being surrounded by magic will get me coming back time and time again.

Me and my family visited BOA Vista Orchards (open year-round) one weekend and ran into a minor problem upon arrival- we had forgotten our 2-year-old son's shoes back at home 1.5 hours away.  The nearest place we could find a store that had his shoe size was in Folsom.  After buying shoes, we looked up a family-friendly hike nearby and Google pointed us to Hinkle trail.  

The fact that we found this place in unforeseen circumstances makes it very special because it's not often you'd find such a special place. 

Notes:

-36 acres

-1 mile loop

-address brings you to the nature center where you can learn more about nature animals and plants and educational programs in the area 

-if traveling in winter, be sure to check that the roads high in the mountains are clear of snow. If taking the 80, check weather for donner pass as it is one of the highest points on the route to Folsom. If taking 50, check the weather at adventure mountain, also one of the highest points on the route

-trails get muddy in wet weather during the winter

-equestrian and dog friendly

-there is seating at some areas including the beginning of trail and at nature center ideal for picnics

-lots of space to step to the sides for social distancing

-half of trail is in among grass and trees. Other half on paved path back to parking lot.

-you can find a makeshift fairy garden near the beginning of trail

-Folsom Zoo is nearby if you want to make a day trip complete with entertainment.  You can also find the Folsom Railway in the same area.

-coyotes out early morning

-Folsom is practically neighbors with the bay area and the bay area always has the best bubble tea (or commonly known as Boba).  I always take advantage and get Boba when visiting these areas.  We found a great place called T4, if you're interested. Online ordering available.

-More attractions in Folsom

-From Reno, you can take pass by South Lake Tahoe and BOA Vista orchards on the way to Folsom by taking highway 50

-You can save seven miles from Reno by taking the 80. On the way, you can stop by Truckee, a scenic city with winter sports and restaurants.

Reccomended Gear

-Sunscreen (after trying so many options, this is my family's favorite)

-Water Bottle (definitely a must in Reno's dry climate)

-Portable potty & Liners (priceless gadget that makes any hike with kids a breeze)

-hiking backpack (great view for kids, storage, nap friendly, shade)

-carrier (more afordable, light weight, shade, storage for keys)

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Categorized under Family Friendly Hikes and Day Trips From Reno

Photos

©Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Damonte Ranch Park- Biggest Playground in Town, Epic Sunsets & A Flat and Enjoyable 3 Mile Paved Loop Trail

1950 Steamboat Pkwy
Reno, NV 89521

Directions

When I first moved to Reno, I was determined to find the coolest playgrounds in town for my kids to enjoy, and Damonte Ranch Park was what Google considered most worthy.  Google knows best, so I made a trip out to the park and since have been visiting it often for six years.  With the little experience I've acquired throughout the years, me and my family can enjoy the park year-round with no inconveniences at all.

If I could find a park that really has something for everyone, I'd say that this is the park. Wildlife watchers, wetland lovers, flat trail walkers, eager joggers, playground heads, parents-only club, dog walkers, hill rollers, epic sunset seekers, beginner bikers, skaters on wheels, bridge enthusiasts & picnic go-ers are some of the types of people I see here all the time; that pretty much covers everyone.

Notes:

-3.1 mile, no elevation gain, loop trail

-8 acre park

-completely exposed so in the summer, making it out at early morning and before sunset will be ideal, unless you're looking for some heat and a tan.  Sunscreen is always a good idea, esp. being at a higher elevation here in Reno where the sun is more intense.

-Enjoyable in the winter at any time of the day 

-There are no water fountains so don't forget to bring water

-There are two play structures. One for smaller kids and one for bigger kids.  swing set- 2 baby swings, 2 big kid swings. 4 way seesaw, chimes, tic-tac-toe, climbing structures, many slides, sliding pole, balancing steps.

-This park is very popular and can get busy during weekends, after school hours and holidays.  When the weather is cold and windy, you can have the park all to yourself.

-1 picnic shelter with 4 tables, BBQ, Year-Round Restroom nearby

-Basketball court with two - 1/2 opposing courts

-Stroller 

-There are a couple of cute hills that my kids love running/rolling up and down.  During winter, when snow is abundant, it's the best place to sled down.

-There are nice open grassy areas ideal for flying a kite and playing fetch with dogs.  Though the grass is pretty stripped so when it gets wet, it can get a little muddy. 

-great for photography. beautiful views of epic sunsets, snow covered mountains, nature & wildlife

-During peak hours, parking lot can fill up. In this case, you can park along the street.

-in the summer when the plants are tall, there's a fun maze kids love to run through.

-Keep an eye out for yearly events hosted at the park, under normal circumstances of course, like 4th of July where they put on a grand display of fireworks, set up tents that hand out treats, and provide live music.  Or in winter, meet with Santa and trunk or treat during Halloween.

-The trail is perfect for bicycle family riding or those learning how to use bikes.  paths are wide.

-The trail is lined with people's backyards. 

-Poop bags available at a couple of places.

-There's a plaza down the street with Mc Donald's, Starbucks, Home Depot, Pizza, Subway, Kid's Haircut Place and a soon to be Safeway, if you're looking to get things done while in this part of town.

Categorized Under "Parks and Playgrounds, Picnic Spots, Birthday/Event Venues"