American River Parkway - Sailor Bar

Absolutely love Sailor Bar Park.. you got a little of everything out here from wooded tree lined walks to being able to walk right on the bank of the river.So many great options for your dogs that aren't the strongest of swimmers. Will cost $7 to park but they take credit cards and plus your money goes to Parks and Rec's so do your part

This area is located near my parents' house. This past month we rediscovered it after many years of just taking it for granted. It is right at the end of a suburban street but makes you feel as though you are further out in nature. I have seen a lot of people there fishing, kayaking, rafting, but for me, it is an awesome place for birdwatching and observing other kinds of plants and wildlife. On our last visit we saw beautiful Devil's Trumpet plants in bloom, a coyote just moseying around, mallard ducks, and a gorgeous group of green herons on the water's edge. I have found a new convenient, favorite place. I can't wait to go back again. There are also horse trails in the area for those who are interested.

I recently moved to the area and found this place. It is quiet and tucked back, which is nice. There is a booth for day use however paying for day use should be done in the kiosk off to the right when you drive into the spot.Off to the left and the right there are trails there you can walk down and take in the nature, hiking, bird watching, and admiring the nature some more, as well as an area for dirt-bikes as I have seen people use it for.If you drive all the way to the end there is a boat launch perfect for fishing boats and kayaks. The "beach" area is more rocky and you can take in all the nature with ducks. While sitting there one day we had even seen a larger otter swimming/playing in the American river. The perfect place to go for a quiet serene evening. It has become one of my favorite spots to relax after a long day of working.I only wish there was a sandy area one could lay down and soak up the rays in comfort.

The beauty of the American River and its surrounds is closer than you think. This is a great spot for hikes, bird-watching and nature-admiring. If you park close to Equus Court in Fair Oaks, you can hoof it past the toll booth if you would rather not pay the fees. Driving towards the main gate, you'll see a path to the right of the yellow gate. Take this path and meander until you reach the pond! I have a horrible sense of direction so I can't tell you "walk 10 yards at 2:00 in a north-easterly direction" but if you take this path, you'll still have a beautiful walk, trust me. The pond links to the river and during times when the river is high, this place fills up too. I'm pretty sure someone released their pet goldfish in here because sometimes I'll see a large orange object in the water; a goldfish on steroids, I kid you not. Another friend has also seen it, but you have to be here when the light is right, when the water is still and when no one else is looking. Maybe I'll call it "Bessie" (instead of "Nessie"). You can also spot turtles sunning themselves, numerous waterfowl and a large-mouthed bass lurks in the deep. (To David O., Sailor Bar is not an actual bar. I know you were impressed when I checked in here at 8:30 am the other day. You probably thought I was hanging out with sailors from the Navy, being a lush and all. Hate to disappoint you, but it was for a hike, not Bloody Marys!)

This is one of our favorite places to come to hike and enjoy the river access. The trails are well maintained and much (not all) of the river access is shallow and perfect for wading -- great for a hot day. It also seems like a really popular place for trail biking! Get there early (especially as it warms up) as the last couple days have been a bit busy. The only slight downside is that parking for cars is $5 so if you enjoy your time and want to go again, just get a parking pass.

We used to live within a mile of sailor bar and went frequently, almost every week. Our dog loved it, especially with the accessibility to swim. There's also a pond halfway down the road. Plenty of nature paths for a walk or run. During the week and in the morning it's pretty quite but I did enjoy the fishermen trying to get a catch. If you don't want to pay for parking you can park in the neighborhood and walk down. Park patrol will ticket you if you don't have a pass

great game lace to take a swim. beautiful scenery. nice and relaxing. whenever we went it was not busy.

Relaxing sunny beautiful good day can't wait to go back best when you make a whole day of it!!?

Great spot to launch a raft or fish. Not easy to walk over all the cobble rock and be very careful if you bring your dogs as there is fishing wire and lures and hooks along the waterline. Their is a beautiful pond that most folks probably pass by. Nice little hidden gem!

Welcome to the American River Parkway. Fish, hike, pedal, paddle, trail run. There is also an equestrian trail should you feel so inclined to let Mr. Ed tag along. At Sailor Bar you'll find both pond and river fishing, access to the American River bike trail and an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Vehicles can access Sailor Bar by either the Illinois Avenue and Olive Avenue gates. There are also several access points throughout adjacent neighborhoods for those of us on foot or bike. Buy your County Parks pass here (http://www.arpf.org/passport.shtml) and get outside. Remember to leave no trace and do your part to maintain this beautiful area.