Nimbus Dam

Beautiful hiking, running and biking trails! It’s right along the water. Our visit this weekend was just stunning after a fresh rain earlier in the week. The water level was high and the grass was so green. Definitely recommend going out for a stroll along this trail to take in the serene views of the Sacramento area!

Such a beautiful spot in Sacramento! You can ride your bike — there are some serious trails here. You can also take a hike, fish or visit the on-​site hatchery
. There is a fish ladder by the river, but due to the drought not sure what the fish numbers will be like in the fall.
TIPS: when you are on Hazel from 50 — take a right on Gold County for the Sac State aquatic center. If you want to go to the fish hatchery, make a left on Gold County and an IMMEDIATE right to the parking lot (free). Watch for bikers and pedestrians!
If you get hungry, there is a Mikuni’s right around the corner:

Beautiful. Fiancé caught his first big fish at Nimbus Dam. I would not suggest getting in the water as the current looks very dangerous. Only downside about this place is there is no parking. I have noticed people getting dropped off by taxi vans, etc. The Aquatics Center is next door, but you cannot park there or you will be ticketed or towed. The first day we went there, we paid $ 10 to get in Nimbus Flat next door & walked to the dam with our fishing supplies. It was quite a walk!

This is absolutely one of the most beautiful places to be on the bike trail.
From the American River Bike Trail, you ride right by the dam, close enough to see the fences and electrical boxes. From the inside of the aquatic center, you can ride right up to the high side of the dam. The bottom side is full of fishermen when it’s not open, and there are places where you can buy fish food and feed the fish, which is tons of fun for little kids and, well, apparently for groups of 20-​somethings, because let’s be real, I’ve never done this with my kid.
Riding over Hazel, you can see the «open» side of the dam, and it’s not only a great view, but an awesome workout. The loop is a little tricky to figure out at first for people like me who suck at geography, but it’s tons of fun to go over, under, across, and back again. Just don’t apply lip balm right before, and keep your sunglasses on, because you will get hit in the face with swarms of nats.
If you love the view, I’d recommend going in different types of weather. Seeing it all on a brown day is like seeing it for the first time again.
If you come very early in the morning, watch out for bats and snakes.