10 Things to Know About Hiking the Sterling Pointe Trail in Loomis

Today I would like to share with you one of my utmost favorite hiking spots around Sacramento area.  I love that it is a bit tucked away and not too many people know about it.  I bet the locals will not be happy that I give away their secret hiking spot!  It is a precious Gem among trails, especially for those who are looking for a raw, wild, barely touched by human hand paths to walk.  If, however, unadventurous, paved and crowded city park roads are your cup of tea, this one may not be for you.   

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA / Photography by Anya Warda Media

So what makes it so special, you ask? 

-First, it is peaceful.  So peaceful, that you will hear the bees and hummingbirds buzzing around you.  This is THE place for meditation, prayer, clearing the mind or connecting back with nature and God.  

-Second, it is raw.  Aside from occasional trail sign, few info boards and three picnic benches (two at the parking area, one close to it), there is no human intervention.  The trees and bushes grow just the way they want to, birds of pray circle the area and deer jump across the paths absolutely carefree.  

-Third, the only people that seem to know about these trails are horse people.  They, however, ride their horses early mornings before the real heat starts.  And they are not a bother at all, and pretty friendly.  Rarely ever do I see people walking the trails on foot, and I go there quite a lot.   

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, horse riders / Photography by Anya Warda Media

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, horse riders / Photography by Anya Warda Media

-Fourth, believe it or not, it is educational! Yup, you can bring your kids and family and make it a fun family walk.  Before you enter the trails, there are few information boards with really cool and interesting stuff.  They are changed seasonally, so you may read about the animals that live there and their habits, or the California drought and its effect on the water levels.  Alongside of the trails, if you keep your eyes peeled, you may find little plaques about the tree or bush or berry plant you are just passing.  And sighting a hawk or a deer, or even the horses, can be quite an adventure for your kids! 

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, info board / Photography by Anya Warda Media

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, info plaque / Photography by Anya Warda Media

What are the 10 things you really need to know before heading out?  

1. Expect some dust.  The paths are sandy and your feet will get dusty.
2. Keep an eye on Poison Oak. It grows freely and it is all around.  
3. There is one Porter Potty in the parking lot and it is usually very well maintained. No worries there.
4. There is also a main gate, which is locked about half hour before sunset.  The closing time is posted on it, so make sure you don't get locked out.  I almost did once, and the Ranger wasn't too happy with me.  Pay attention to it and make their (and your) life easier.
5. Yes, there are bears, foxes, mountain lions, bobcats and coyotes there, but I have not seen either one of them.  Ever.  The most I have ever seen were hawks, deer and squirrels.
6. The Sterling Pointe Trail leads all the way down to the Folsom Lake and around it.  You could make it a hiking marathon and continue hiking probably all the way up to Georgetown or down towards Granite Bay and past it.   
7. Flip flips won't do.  They just won't.  Trust me.
8. If I were you I would stick to the path.  Except for early spring time, the grasses are full of tiny and very prickly things that catch onto everything and are beyond difficult to remove.  I did a portrait photo session there once, and I capitulated; I had so many of them on my yoga pants I had to throw the pants away.  Lesson learned.
9. Do not set out without water.  On the way back to the parking lot there is a section where the path leads uphill.  Right then and there (if not before) you will bitterly regret not having your water bottle with you.  
10. Expect to be wowed by the beauty.  Drink it all in.  Breathe deeply the fresh, unpolluted air.  Stop and smell the roses (the bushes more like it) and really connect with nature.  YOU WILL LOVE IT!   

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, in August / Photography by Anya Warda Media

But how do you get there? 

From Sacramento head up north on I-80 and take the Horseshoe Bar Rd exit towards Loomis.  At the stop you will turn left and follow the Horseshoe Bar Rd all the way down till you reach Auburn Folsom Rd.  By the Flower Farm you will turn right onto Auburn Folsom Rd, and less than a mile later you will turn left onto Lomida Lane.  Drive all the way uphill and you will see Sterling Pointe Circle on your left.  Follow it to the parking lot.


So what are your favorite trails to hike? Let us know in the comments, and if they are in North California area, we just may hike and review them on our blog!  

Sterling Pointe Equestrian Staging Area Trail, Loomis, CA, in August / Photography by Anya Warda Media