River in 1827. The trail is very popular with walkers and cyclists and connects to many other paths, both paved and dirt.
The American River Parkway, which contains the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, is a favorite recreation destination for the region’s walkers, runners, cyclists, and equestrians. Speaking of cyclists, they are quite frequent on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail; regulations require you to walk or run on the dirt on the left side of the pavement whenever feasible, which allows you to see oncoming cyclists and stay out of their way.
Walk east and quickly pass under a two-lane bicycle bridge and the route that leads to Old Sacramento and downtown. Stately California sycamore trees grow in abundance here, taking advantage of the deep, well-watered soil near the American River. You’ll also note large valley oak and cottonwood trees, which also require rich soils with plenty of moisture. Reach a large sign that explains local natural history and then pass under I-5. Initially the roar of traffic is quite loud, but it fades gradually as you continue east.
Enjoy a view of the American River to the right at 0.2 mile as you wander through the developed portion of Discovery Park; numerous picnic tables are scattered in the shade to the left, and you’ll see lush riparian vegetation to the right. Encounter black walnut trees and extensive blackberry patches and don’t miss the California grapevines that climb up to forty feet into the trees.
At 0.3 mile, you’ll find restrooms on the left. Wander under majestic valley oaks and in the spring pass a wildflower display that includes mustard and California poppy. Leave the developed portion of Discovery Park behind at 0.6 mile as the noise from I-5 fades. Thick vegetation borders both sides of the path while numerous cottonwood trees provide shade.
At 1.0 mile the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail swings north and away from the American River. At 1.3 miles it turns east and crosses a paved road. You now pass between Bannon Slough on the left, which is lined with riparian vegetation, and a large wetland on the right that shrinks considerably over the course of summer but is always an excellent place for bird-watching.
Continue east between Bannon Slough and the wetland, with powerlines overhead and a bit of traffic noise from Garden Highway to the north, as you enjoy the intermittent shade of cottonwoods and valley oaks. At 2.2 miles reach a trail junction just before Northgate Boulevard, your turnaround point. From here, return to the trailhead the way you came.
| 2 | Capitol Park and Old Sacramento |
| DISTANCE: | 3.5 miles of paths |
| ELEVATION GAIN: | Negligible |
| HIGH POINT: | 20 feet |
| DIFFICULTY: | Easy |
| FITNESS: | Walkers |
| FAMILY-FRIENDLY: | Yes |
| DOG-FRIENDLY: | On-leash |
| BIKE-FRIENDLY: | No |
| AMENITIES: | Bathrooms and water in capitol building, in Capitol Park, and in numerous businesses |
| CONTACT/MAP: | California State Capitol Museum; download map from website |
| GPS: | N 38˚34.640', W 121˚29.769' |
| MORE KEY INFO: | Always open; much of the suggested route is wheelchair accessible |
GETTING THERE
Driving: Take the J Street exit off I-5 (exit 519B). Head east for several blocks through downtown Sacramento. Both street parking and multiple parking garages are available in the area (fee). The walk begins at Ninth Street at the east end of Capitol Mall, which is between L Street and N Street. L Street is two blocks to the right of J Street as you go east (and move up the numbered streets).
Transit: All three light rail lines and numerous buses serve downtown Sacramento, including Capitol Park and Old Sacramento.
This walk hits the historical highlights of downtown Sacramento. The route begins with the California State Capitol and its beautifully landscaped park and then travels Capitol Mall to Old Sacramento, home to the Sacramento River, Old Sacramento State Historic Park, and a wide variety of restaurants and other businesses. If you prefer, instead of the suggested route, you can park or get off public transportation wherever you like in the vicinity and design your own route.
The Rose Garden adds beautiful color to Capitol Park.
GET MOVING
Start on Ninth Street, where Capitol Mall stretches to the west and you’ll see the California State Capitol directly ahead to the east. Walk east near the circular driveway between two imposing neoclassical buildings, the California State Library and Court on the right and the Jesse M. Unruh State Office Building on the left. (On your return to head west on Capitol Mall you’ll again pass between these buildings.)
At Tenth Street the California State Capitol stretches in full glory before you. Built between 1860 and 1874, the massive neoclassical structure houses the state assembly, the state senate, the governor’s office, and the California State Capitol Museum. The latter is well worth a visit as is the capitol building itself. Both are open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day; check the California State Capitol Museum website for specific hours for both (see Resources).
Walk past a row of large deodar cedars on the north side of the capitol building to begin exploring the grounds of Capitol Park. A network of paved paths interweaves the entire area between the capitol and Fifteenth Street, allowing access to mature trees, both native and nonnative, plus other botanical features and various monuments.
Travel east past coast redwoods, giant sequoias, and numerous other tree species. You can visit the Camellia Grove and the Civil War Memorial Grove on the way to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the World Peace Rose Garden, which anchor the eastern end of the park.
Continue along the southern half of the park and meander west. Along the way you’ll encounter the cactus garden and memorials to firefighters and veterans. Pass near the south steps of the capitol building and angle right (north) to the front of the capitol building, then cross Tenth Street, and return to the start of your capitol grounds walk, heading west between the California State Library and Court, now on your left, and the Jesse M. Unruh State Office Building on your right. You’re now at the eastern end of Capitol Mall.
One of the iconic streets of downtown Sacramento, Capitol Mall passes government buildings, banks, and restaurants as it heads west. Occupying what would be M Street, Capitol Mall is divided by a green median, which is hugged by oneway vehicle traffic on each side. Walk west seven blocks from Ninth Street to Second Street, passing above I-5 between Second and Third Streets as the impressive visage of golden Tower Bridge juts above you.
Turn right on Second Street and follow it one block. You’ve now reached Old Sacramento, popular with both visitors and locals, where wooden boardwalks and restored buildings recreate the heart of the nineteenth-century city. Wander where you will among the restaurants and shops, but be sure to walk the paved path beside the Sacramento River, where you can’t miss the Delta King, the 285-foot-long luxury steamboat that plied the waters between Sacramento and San Francisco from 1927 to 1940; it’s now a hotel and restaurant.
Wend your way north to the museums and buildings of Old Sacramento State Historic Park. The park contains numerous buildings from the nineteenth century, including the California State Railroad Museum (open daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day). Learn more at www.californiarailroad.museum.
GO FARTHER
Cross