Fair Oaks Bluff/Park Reserve

There's a trail here which can be found a bit to the right after you cross over the Fair Oaks Bridge; it's on the side opposite from the Sunrise Recreation Area. While there isn't any parking on the side of the bridge where the trail is, there is some which costs $10 at the Sunrise Recreation Area.Once you reach the trail, it takes about five minutes to get to the top, and then maybe another ten minutes to hike to the fence at the end of the trail. The views once you get to the top are pretty good :-)Tip: Each of the lookouts from the top are on a very steep cliff-edge, with an unprotected drop to the river down below. It isn't possible to see straight down the cliff because of deep errosion at the bottom, but you can see both the bridge and the river.Note that this area seems fairly safe during the daylight hours, but there are a lot of homeless people around the bridge and in Sunrise Park, so I'd suggest avoiding the area when it's dark.

The Park Ranger was a great help provided me a map of the trails. The view from the bluffs is amazing.

I watched the sunset at this hidden gem in the Fair Oaks neighborhood of Sacramento. The dramatic bridge is what separates this spot from the rest of the nearby parks and let me tell you -- the views of the sunset depicts images that cannot be unseen.Parking is not great as I ended up parking in front of a nearby business complex lot. Not sure if there is a designated parking spot for visitors but I wouldn't doubt it -- I probably just landed on the other side of the park which has very minimal parking.There were a lot of couples and groups of friends walking along the bridge. Many stopped to take photos or to just sit and enjoy the views. Pictures do not serve this place justice. It's one of those places where you have to see for yourself so make the trip. My evening spent here was full of magic, romance, and newfound inspiration. I look forward to visiting again.

This spot is great. It overlooks the river and has some cool trees that have been defying gravity for decades. Be careful though you wouldn't want to fall off the cliff, only Batman could survive that fall.

This was our go-to spot for getting on the American River Trail on our visit. The view from the bridge is spectacular and I got some wonderful shots of the sunset. Note that Google takes you to is a residential area with very limited parking options. If you go to the other side of the bridge, there is a parking lot that you can use. Everyone walking on the left threw me off. I actually asked some people on why that is and they said that it's the norm here. When in Rome...

I saw a great blue heron up close! The bluffs are beautiful.Park in the village and walk down Bridge Street.Clean, fairly unpopulated with great bird noises!

Beautiful short little walk to the bluffs off of Bridge Street in Village Fair Oaks. The views are beautiful and you can watch the fish jump. It is best to park in the Village and walk to the bluffs.

Fantastic spot 2 see the American River. not a great place for little kids, because in a split-second you could plunge to your death. I would classify this as a hiking trail. But if you happen to be parked at the sunrise American River entry point, across the bridge, it's well worth a short walk across the Fair Oaks Bridge to climb up to this location.

I found this spot over the weekend, it appears to be a hidden gem tucked away in Old Fair Oaks. In order to get here, you will need to go down Bridge St. in Fair Oaks (the one that eventually dead ends into the bridge). When you're about 25 ft from the beginning of the bridge you will notice a dirt trail to the left with a brown sign for the Fair Oaks Cliff/Bluff Park. This brown sign heeds the typical warning about no alcohol, leashing your dogs, and the park being closed before dawn and after sunset. I would not come here at night given the small trail and the cliffs edge.From this access point, the trail is rather short but takes you to the top of the cliffs overlooking the bridge and the river. I am not a fan of heights so I kept my distance from the edge, the drop is straight down for what appears to be at least 50 ft maybe even 100 ft. When googling this spot I ran across two articles mentioning rescue operations of people who had fallen, so please be careful!I happened to get here at the perfect time when the sun was beginning to make its way down, creating an even more intoxicating view. One of the easiest/most accessible views in the Sacramento area. The only real hazard being potential for rattlesnakes on the short trail to the cliffs, and of course the cliffs. I'll definitely be coming back when I need a moment to think and get away.

Easy, short, but very beautiful trail. I have lived here for 11 years, and just now checked this place out with my kids, ages 3, 5, and 11, which the walk was also manageable and safe for them. Come check it out!