Arnold Rim Trail

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Features Fall Colors · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The Arnold Rim Trail is located about 1.5 hours southeast from Sacramento or 1 hr straight east from Stockton in the foothills of the Sierras off Hwy 4. Runners has their choice of running this trail as an out and back, or if you plan ahead, you can set up a shuttle.

Starting from the logging museum (worth a look), the trail starts with a .8 mile section on a paved Americans with Disabilities Act Path. This section of the trail can be a bit busy. Once on the dirt, you'll be running through lush woods on smooth singletrack. Enjoy the easy going while you can, as you'll soon come to the first steep climb, gaining close to 500 ft in about a 1/4 mile on loose dirt. A fantastic westward view awaits you at the top.

From here, you'll head to the actual top of Manuel Peak and Cougar Rock, which features great views looking east or west. Sunsets from Cougar Rock and San Antonio Falls Overlook are amazing. There is also a little bit of bouldering and scrambling around Cougar Rock and San Antonio Falls if you are so inclined.

Dropping down from Cougar Rock, you'll get back to the smooth, rolling trail that you saw early on. Post #32 marks the end of the singletrack at about 8.4 miles. From here, you can continue another 2.4 miles to Avery Sheep Ranch Rd on mainly fire road to finish out the trail.

Although this trail is a bit long to run as a full out-and-back, there are plenty of options along the way so you can customize the trail for you. There is also access to disc golf, kayaking, and other outdoor sports at White Pines Lake. Cougar Rock and San Antonio Falls are a must see. Visit the trail's website for more information.