Beach water quality conditions alert
CAUTION - Increased Health Risk
Beach is open.
- There is an increased health risk for swimming and wading.
- Bacteria results DO NOT meet state health standards.
Be advised, there is always some risk with beach water contact. Beach water contact may cause illness. Do not swallow water. Shower and towel dry after water contact. Water quality conditions can change at any time.
Rancho Seco Recreational Area
Get back to nature at Rancho Seco Recreational Area
Take a 45-minute drive from downtown Sacramento and you’ll find the 400-acre park that makes up the Rancho Seco Recreational Area. Take a short vacation and enjoy bird watching, boating, camping, fishing, hiking and even a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals and wildlife. Camp in comfort with recreation and concession buildings, shade structures, laundry facility, boathouse and newly renovated restrooms and showers.
Hiking opportunities
Self-led hikes
Enjoy an easy seven mile round trip hike at the Howard Ranch Trail. The walk along the lake offers something special in each season – vernal pools in late winter, soft carpets of wildflowers in spring, contented cattle grazing on lush grass. It’s a working cattle ranch, so please leave your canine friends home.
Docent-led hikes
For those who would like to learn from local naturalist volunteers on docent-led hikes, the Cosumnes River Preserve offers springtime hikes on the Howard Ranch Trail. Each hike begins at 8:30 AM, takes 3+ hours and is taken at a casual pace.
More information
For information and reservations, call 1-800-416-6992 (Monday through Friday).