Gateway Oaks Trail: from Natomas Oak Park to Peregrine Park – Mountain Bike Trail

The Gateway Oaks trail is a gentle out-and-back trail suitable for all biking skill levels. It runs north of the Sacramento River and is popular for road biking. Besides road biking, the trail is often crowded with runners and people interested in bird watching and other recreational activities. It is open year-round and you can bring your whole family, including the dog, to enjoy the serenity it provides. You must keep your dog on a leash, though. It is always clean and flat, with a few shaded sections.

Before you go:

Drinking water

Restrooms

Fee required

Lift service

Fat bike grooming

Family Friendly

Night riding

E-bikes allowed

Dogs Allowed

Obstacles

Shuttles

Detailed Trail Description

The Gateway Oaks trail is an easy biking route that you can complete in 16 minutes on average biking speed. The multi-use trail runs along a small creek north of the Sacramento River. It begins at Natomas Oak Park and ends at Peregrine Park. You can connect to the Fisherman’s Lake trail to get more miles at the trail’s north end.

The trail’s surface is smoothly paved asphalt and has zero technical features, thus ideal for beginners. We recommend it for novices looking to enhance their skills and speed or need to get used to their bikes. It is 8 feet wide with a line dividing it into two. Keep left to pave way for other trail users headed back.

The trail is a mix of shade and sun. The only thing we don’t like about the clean trail is the sketchy trailhead that begins at a homeless encampment. The parking lot is also sketchy with questionable figures.

On the bright side, the trail itself feels very safe as you are likely to meet other users. It doesn’t get overcrowded even on a warm Saturday morning, but it isn’t entirely empty either.

Additional Trail Features

The Gateway Oaks trail has empty office buildings, a homeless camp, and parks. You can stop to rest at the parks or go off the trail on one of the paths to an eating joint.

The parking lot is paved and has four designated entry points.

Sights of Interest, Landscapes, Views

The trail has a unique scenery that includes parks. If you ride up to the levee with gravel and look back, you will see a stunning sight of the water and fields. The levee is off the bike trail. The oaks provide a peaceful, serene environment and if you are keen, you may spot squirrels and various beautiful bird species.

Moreover, the creek adds to the trail’s tranquil nature. For a more stunning view, ride to the Freeway footbridge, especially when the weather is good and the sky is clear.

Recommendations

• The shade on the trail is intermittent. Carry sunscreen and plenty of drinking water on a hot day.
• Be vigilant at the parking lot and trailhead. Do not leave valuable items in your car.
• Make way for other trail users, including dogs, families, and joggers.
• You can connect to Discovery Park and then cross the road onto American River Parkway for extra miles.
• Because of the creek and the oaks, the trail is full of bugs.