Pioneer Express Trail

This trail is mainly a horse trail. Be aware of this when you go. The trails are narrow so if you're with friends, you'll be going single file. Because it's designed as a horse trail, the view isn't spectacular despite the trail bring near Folsom lake. There are spots where you can exit the trail and head toward the water. We saw a few runners & hikers on the trail but it wasn't super crowded on a Saturday afternoon. The brush on the trail doesn't get trimmed. I wore Capri tights & hiking boots. My son wore shorts & got a little scratched up. I didn't see any signs that said you had to pay for parking. There was a Porta potty in the parking lot.

There is a nice trail by the water. You can run by the water. Be sure to bring sunglasses or a hat.

I went out yesterday, just to check this trail out. This trail follows the shoreline. Is there really 2,000+ feet of climbing? Also, if it's 28 miles, r.t., do they let you camp? Not too many hikers are going to do 28 miles in 1 day...

The part I did, starting in granite bay was not very strenuous. Scenery was ok, a little confusing about where to go.

Only did part of the trail. Lots of sun and Scenery is not that varied.

Submerged trail and TONS of poison oak! This is a very nice hike but currently (Mid-May 2017) the trail is submerged in many areas because of the high water at the lake. The poison oak is growing over the trail in many parts as well. The PO became more of an issue because we had to cross country a lot to hook back up with the submerged trail. If you are bringing your dog, plan for a lot of tick removal (repellent didn't seem to help). I pulled 11 off my pup when we got back. This is a hike that might best be put off until the water is down a bit.

Love this trail !

Fun!!

found a good trail but was too close to road. :(

Didn't expect the change in elevation nor getting mixed up on the trails but the scenery was beautiful! I recommend going down to the river

Easy trail, you can go almost anywhere you want not that the lake is so low.

Amazing trail. I would say it's harder than moderate though. My horse and I are avid trail riders and this trail surely pushed us. Great access to water and lots of wildlife. My only complaint is the directions on this site are incorrect. You cannot stage your trailer in the del labor gated community. You have to go to lomita and continue to the sterling pointe staging area.

My weekly hike takes me through the trails northeast of granite bay. Very peaceful and scenic. Plenty of wildlife. A very nice hike

Great trail for running.

I think this is a beautiful moderate trail. its part of the western states so it is marked all along the way. Most beautiful in the spring time...

I'm with Kelly. The trail is very poorly marked and any signs you do find are vandalized or covered in graffiti. Half the time we weren't even sure we were on the trail. We did enjoy the Nimbus Dam and seeing the jumping salmon and hordes of fishermen. We look forward to returning to Lake Natomas for some kayaking.

Regarding the stretch upriver from Rattlesnake Bar: once you get past the pond you actually start to get a sense of isolation even though there are homes up on the rim in Newcastle and the Sherland Tract area. It is shaded but still very hot in summer. The trail continues to Oregon Bar and up Cardiac then along the ditch to the dam overlook. From there past the horse parking is the WST which is still technically a segment of the Pioneer Express Trail. Nice swimming spots in the canyon between Folsom and Auburn, with the occasional boater headed up river when conditions are right.

My dog and I took this trail upriver from Rattlesnake Bar park to the 50.5 mile marker yesterday. It runs parallel to the American River upriver from Folsom Lake. It is very scenic with sweeping views of the river below. Most of the trail is in the trees so, in summer there would be plenty of shade. Also there are several sections where you can easily get down to the water.

Trail is not well marked and isn't very scenic. We hiked in February but in the heat it must be super miserable especially when you get out of the shade (of which there isn't very much). When you use the American River Bike Trail (which runs along side this trail in parts) it's also VERY congested with bikers who are fairly unfriendly about walkers on the trail. I would certainly do this trail if it's on a list of accomplishments you'd like to check off (like it was for me) but I won't ever do it again and have aptly kept notes about it for the future as a non-repeater.