Hiking
If you appreciate the outdoors, Northern California is a dream come true. It has a bit of everything: rugged mountains and coastlines, vineyard-draped foothills, turquoise lakes, and otherworldly forests as well as…
You can find all of these things and more in Elk Grove parks:
- Children’s playgrounds and spraygrounds
- Walking, hiking, and running trails
- Bike paths
- In-line skating and skateboarding areas
- Fishing spots along the shores of lakes and rivers
- Picnic areas
- Opportunities for tennis, basketball, volleyball, baseball, softball, disc golf, and more
Many parks also allow dogs, so your furry friends have a space to play too.
We have compiled a sample of some of our favorite Elk Grove parks below.
1. Backer Park
Backer Park is one of the larger parks in Elk Grove. This 10.2-acre park features baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, shaded picnic area, trail access, a fish-themed play structure, and a spray-ground for hot summer days.
2. Bartholomew Park
At Bartholomew Park (not to be confused with the sports park with the same name), you will find a multipurpose field, and shaded picnic areas. There are easy walking paths near a small picturesque lake that are often used by residents of the Laguna West neighborhood.
3. Bartholomew Sports Park
One of the larger parks in Elk Grove, Bartholomew Sports Park is a crown jewel in the Elk Grove park system, boasting an elaborate sports complex with lighted soccer fields, football fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, bleachers, restrooms, concession stands, and more. The park also has several playgrounds, grassy areas, and places to walk or run. Parking is ample and free.
4. Camden Park Greenbelt
From downtown Elk Grove, it’s only an 8-minute drive to the peaceful and scenic Camden Park, a family-friendly area with walking trails along a creek.
Most Popular Hiking Trails
- Camden Park Loop Trail: This is a 3-mile family-friendly, moderately trafficked loop in a residential area by a lake. Large trees provide generous amounts of shade, and benches offer spots for resting and contemplation. The trail is popular with runners, walkers, and bikers. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
- Elk Grove Creek Trail: This is an 8.6 mile paved, family-friendly hike with lovely views of the creek. Dogs must be on a leash. The trail is suitable for walking, biking, and in-line skating and is also wheelchair accessible.
For more information on hiking and walking in Camden Park, click here.
8. Horseshoe Park
Horseshoe Park is a place for kids to “horse around.” This horse-themed park features climbable horseshoes and horse statues that will make that little cowboy or cowgirl in your life yell “yee-haw.” The park has two playgrounds, one for children ages 2–5 and another for ages 5–12, picnic tables, and a spacious field where kids can run like the wind.
11. Kloss Park
Kloss Park is a lovely park located on Laguna Park Drive right next to Foulks Ranch Elementary School and the fire station. Kids will appreciate seeing the fire trucks coming and going from the station and waving hello to the firefighters. The park’s large playground has fire-engine themed play structures, with swings, slides, climbing areas, and much more. The park also has baseball diamonds and soccer fields, and a covered gazebo can be used for group events, such as birthday parties or picnics. The park connects to a green belt that is perfect for leisurely walks or bike rides.
12. Machado Dairy Park
Machado Dairy Park features 10 acres of fun! Kids can enjoy a barn-shaped playground and barnyard animal teeter-totters. Little animal lovers will surely appreciate this park. It also features an adult fitness area, picnic areas, and a multipurpose field.
13. Miwok Park
Miwok Park is a 6.2-acre community-built park that features a multipurpose field, picnic areas, tennis courts, and two playgrounds for kids aged 2–5 and 5–12, respectively. The playgrounds are Miwok-themed, with features such as a wooden teepee playhouse and canoe.
14. Morse Community Park
Morse Community Park will delight kids of all ages along with outdoor-loving adults, too. Here, you’ll find a full basketball court, a variety of playgrounds including a fabulous water park for summer along with a dog park, restrooms, and plenty of shade and grassy areas. This is a great place to pitch a tent and hang out for the day with your kids or friends. Outdoor concerts are often held here during summer.
15. Oasis Community Park
Oasis Park, the 99th park in Elk Grove, is a 20-acre modern recreational oasis. It boasts state-of-the-art playground equipment, a splash park, grassy areas, soccer fields, tennis and pickleball courts, restrooms, and an outdoor “gym” area with exercise equipment.
16. Singh and Kaur Park
Singh and Kaur Park is Elk Grove’s 100th park! It is the first park in the United States that uniquely celebrates the Sikh community. It features sport courts for basketball, bocce ball, sand volleyball, and more, along with several playgrounds, a shade structure, picnic area, and a walking trail.
