This was a great hike. Started very steep but it was easy after 30 minutes or so. It was flat after that for most of the time until last 15 minutes. Lot of hikes are merging on this hill so you may get confused if you dont have good map but GPS works at the top so thats helpful. Starting point to hike to training hill is not visible until you start on other hikes and change your route so be aware of that.

A 4.8 mile loop which is steep for almost half of it opens up to meadows on top. My wife and I prefer going up the steep part first which is to the right. Beautiful hike with a lot of scenery and a lot of exercise. You may come across horse riders but not a big deal for us. Can be a little muddy in some parts so bring proper footwear. Took us around 2.5 hours.

Training Hill is short out & back, or better “up & down” off the Western States Tr just before the west end of No Hands bridge. The actual Hill starts after a brief access trail and is instantly recognized by its rocky steep ascent. The trail starts wide and well worn, and your legs will quickly confirm you’re in training mode. The trail connects with the Olmstead Loop trail, but the “training” part of it maxes out after about 1.1 miles at the break in grade and a “pullout” on the left to sit down for a moment, or longer. The average grade is about 21%, but there are steeper bits that are relatively sustained, and on brief down hill bit in near the middle. The elevation gain is about 1,000 feet. I did it 4x within 4 hrs one morning and the Garmin watch claimed the 4 round trips to be over 11 miles. I started feeling the burn on the 4th ascent without having to pause and suck air. In summary, there are more demanding training hill climbs but they are further away from Sacramento and take most of the day with travel, making Training Hill a good “time value”.

Not showing the hard parts. What a day! Just gorgeous and a good way to judge what kind of shape youre in! Gonna make this a habit. Its so worth the effort.

Almost 1 mile straight incline pending which direction you start.

My happy place

Pretty steep trail but once you are on top it’s very rewarding!!!! Beautiful and gorgeous all around the area!

This place is amazing and provides the best cardio you can get!

Steep grade great for training legs and lungs. Could betreacherous if wet. Can’t wait to go again.

Great hike. Cant wait to go back.

Complete Love /Hate relationship. Lol. Great leg work...Amazing Cardio....grab a friend and Go! Bring water and remember its less than a mile

If you want a Hill that will go up and up this is it!

Excellent park for hiking or walking. Great view of the river! Hikes vary from very easy (and kid-friendly) to very narrow and challenging.

Youll feel the burn.

Great training for horses and people, its rocky with ruts so might not be good for mountain bikes

Great steep hill for trail running.

Steep and beautiful hike. Doesnt take that long and the views are nice.

Difficult workout hill. Not crowded, short drive from sacramento. Unfortunately not many great photos to take.

Challenging hike for sure but nice views!

Had a nice hike

My happy place

Short but challenging!!

Do early in the morning this time of year keeps you in shape

Very nice trail with Watter, need to be careful with kids on the bridge, the fence is unsafe

Beautiful!

If you want a brutal hill day, this is the spot.

Great Spartan race training!!