Western States Pioneer Express Trail – Folsom Lake SRA

Western States Pioneer Express Trail – Folsom Lake SRA

Location: Folsom, CA
Difficulty: Easy
Features: Hiking trails, bird watching, dogs allowed, horseback riding, wildlife observation, incredible scenery

The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area surround the Folsom Lake at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the 19,000 acre park was established in 1956 and features California’s ninth largest reservoir, the Folsom Dam. The recreation area, as well as the lake, provides an avenue for a variety of activity options such as camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water skiing, boating, and more. For hike enthusiasts, the park offers a number of interesting trails, one of which is the Western States Pioneer Express Trail.

The Pioneer Express Trail is a 14.7 mile moderately trafficked trail that trailheads in Beeks Bight, Rattlesnake Bar, and Auburn. The trail features a diverse variety of flora and fauna, such as oak woodlands, riparian creek, freshwater wetlands, and a number of aquatic animals. Dog are welcome but must be kept on a leash.

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Camp comfortably

Whether it may be a tent, an inflatable pad, a sleeping bag, or a hammock, make sure that these are comfortable – being ultralight is a plus factor.

2) Create quality meals

Camping would not be complete without an outdoor cooking device. Make quality meals in between treks, on rest periods, and during camping trips. Moreover, a quality outdoor cooking system us vital to make any trip enjoyable.

3) Enjoy a variety of activity options

The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area, as well as the lake, provides an avenue for a variety of activity options such as camping, picnicking, horseback riding, water skiing, boating, and more.