Fresno, CA offers a unique balance between city life and the great outdoors. With three national parks surrounding this buzzing city, there’s always a great escape awaiting so you can enjoy nature’s playground while taking a reprieve from urban living. If you can’t make it to Yosemite, King’s Canyon, or Sequoia (all within a 90-minute drive) there are many closer options to get out and explore. Here are some of the best bike paths and trails in the area.
1. Woodward Park
This pristine park is one of Fresno’s finest. Stunning scenery puts your mind at ease as you meander through the many trails available. There’s a fabulous dog park for your furry friends to enjoy while you take in a stellar sunset.
A highlight of the park is the spectacular Shinzen Friendship Garden that features a quaint koi pond, a beautiful moon bridge, bonsai trees, and a tea house. Vibrant flowers adorn the pathways and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of one of the peacocks.
2. Clovis Old Town Trail
This beautifully maintained trail is great for the entire family, including the dog. It’s wonderfully clean and trash cans are always available as well as doggy bags for your pet. If you go on the weekends, be sure to get an early jump because it can get pretty busy during the day.
The trail stretches close to 13 miles and is a great place to get in a run or a leisurely bike ride. There are water fountains throughout the tree-lined trail to keep you hydrated on those hot days.
3. Railroad Park
Another great place to take the kids, Railroad Park is immaculately clean and offers an intimate environment to enjoy the fresh air and soak up the sun. There are picnic tables spread throughout the park and even a few covered areas to escape the heat or a rain shower.
The park has a couple of nice playgrounds for the kids and a scenic walking trail for the adults. There are convenient public bathrooms on-site as well.
4. Pincushion Mountain
One of the great local trails in the Fresno area, Pincushion features spectacular vistas when you reach the summit of this breathtaking hike. While it’s probably not considered a beginner’s hike, if you take your time and don’t push too hard, it’s manageable for most fitness levels.
The trails can be steep and a little rocky, so be sure to wear proper shoes and take lots of breaks on your way to the top. Remember, it’s not a sprint and the views will be even sweeter if it takes you a little longer.
5. San Joaquin River Gorge
This spectacular area is just a 40-minute drive from Fresno and a slice of paradise for hikers and mountain bikers alike. Beautiful green pastures and wildflowers provide the backdrop of many of the great trails to be conquered.
Picturesque river views make San Joaquin a true standout in the Clovis and Fresno area. Usually not overly crowded, the Gorge is the perfect place to spend part of your day.
You can’t always be hiking or riding a bike, so be sure to head down to Own a Car Fresno and check out our inventory and get fitted for a great new vehicle.