Ancil Hoffman Loop is a 3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Carmichael, California that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
This family-friendly trail loops around the Ancil Hoffman Park Golf Course and offers visitors numerous access points to the American River as well as opportunities to view wildlife. This is a great trail for hikers, runners and walkers looking for a quick nature getaway.
Directions to the trail will take you to a parking lot.
Nice, easy, beautiful trail. Views of the river is partially blocked by a lot of foliage but it’s easy to cut through and walk by the river for a bit. Parking is self-pay, $5 for a vehicle. Price goes up if you are hauling a trailer. The trail is a little confusing but any little side path you take won’t make you lost. It’s pretty easy to get back :) The trail itself is quite narrow and has people jogging and walking their dogs on it so make sure to bring a leash for any doggos!
Keeping on the correct trail was a chore. Experienced a variety of scenes: roadway with cars, golf course, large groups of picnic gatherings, kids playing in the river, wildlife all around - including horses carrying their riders. It was a variety pack with trail options. Watch your app to stay on the designated trail. The trail starts across the street and across the bridge. Look for horse shoe markings for the trail.
Nice shade - precious here in the Central Valley! Nice clean trail in the wood Easy trail running (flat and clean) Few horses along the way trail riding A few Canada Goose on golf course
Didn't even get to use the trail because this app does not tell you whether or not you have to pay for parking and no one in the comments bothered to say that you have to. So I'm really hoping they leave this post up to let future hikers know that you must bring money for parking. $10
Pros: - Very nice long loop - River access with beaches to relax - Wild turkeys patrolling the golf course - Saw a herd of wild deer walking through a fairway Cons: - Heard rattle snakes were prevalent in the bush areas. I did not see any. - The River can be packed if you go at peak hours - Fee
I think I was hoping for more of a mini hike on this, but what we ended up with was an awesome morning on a riverside beach with no one else in sight. In hindsight I wish I we had taken chairs and towels! My three year old LOVED the easy walk in river and would have stayed forever. We never got to the trail but we don’t regret it.
Quick 2.5 mile hike loop. Would recommend. Family, dog, and stroller friendly. I used the dirt trail then cut through the golf course to complete the loop. Got yelled at by a white man to get off the golf course lol. Very nice families, not so very nice white man.
A nice, easy trail. Some areas are not super shaded so bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Easy river access and good wildlife population. Some areas skirt the golf course, but there’s plenty of wilder walking. I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was surprisingly uncrowded.
Great dog-friendly trail! Definitely doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of Sacramento. Great for anyone who wants to get out of town without having to drive over an hour