Sweetwater Trail, Folsom State Recreational Area
Sweetwater Trail, Folsom State Recreational Area
Date: 24 April 2026, 9 am – 12 pm *We try to start walking promptly at start time.
Description: Sweetwater Creek Trail is off Salmon Falls Rd and heads out to the South Fork of the American River. A number of plants not seen in the valley floor will be encountered. This is a mostly level and partially shaded walk.
Leader: John Hunter, botanyjohnhunter@gmail.com
What to bring: Water, hat, snack, walking stick might be useful and warm or cold weather protection. In some locations there is a risk of exposure to poison oak-be on the lookout!
Amenities on-site: There are restroom facilities available at the trailhead.
Waiver: Sign upon arrival.
Meet up spot: Meet at the trail head parking lot map.
Parking info: There is a $10 parking fee unless you have a Parks Annual Pass. More parking information is online.
Directions from downtown Sacramento:
Meet at the trailhead on this map or use the directions below. It’s about 30 minutes from Sunrise and Hwy 50 to the meeting area.
- Travel east on Highway 50
- Take exit 30B -El Dorado Hills Blvd.
- Drive north on El Dorado Hills for about 3.5 miles to Green Valley Rd.
- As you cross Green Valley Rd at 3.5 miles it becomes Salmon Falls Rd.
- Follow Salmon Falls Rd. right toward Pilot Hill at the fork ¼ mile past Green Valley Rd.
- Drive past Falcon Crest on your left at the top of one climb.
- Continue past Falcon Crest as the road curves down to the right and down.
- Past the bottom of this descent, the Sweetwater parking area will on your right after you cross over the Salmon Fall bridge. you will turn right at the sign that says “Folsom Lake Recreation Area Salmon Falls”.
- Drive down to a large paved parking lot area, you may see a boat ramp area and lots of parking spaces.