Del Meyer Park in Elk Grove is a favorite nature trail our family enjoys doing with our kids. This lovely, family-friendly trail near Sacramento runs along Laguna Creek. It has lots of wildlife, is easy for little legs, and ends at a spectacular playground. Another bonus about this trail? It’s flat, mostly paved, and stroller-friendly. 

There are so many things to do in Sacramento with kids, and hiking is always one of our family’s favorite activities. Del Meyer Park is a fantastic family hiking option near Sacramento and a great way to introduce kids to nature-fueled adventures. 

Getting to Del Meyer Park

The main parking lot for Del Meyer Park is located right off the main road of Elk Grove Florin Rd. The lot is pretty spacious, and our family has never had an issue with it being full. 

There are many trail variations in Del Meyer Park and various access points to the trail. Our family makes it a point to include the playground, and we know our kids’ limits. We choose to do this as an out-and-back trail, and I will guide you through our typical route. 

Del Meyer Park Trail 

When you begin the trail after walking from the parking lot, turn right. The river should be on your left as you walk along the trail. Kids will love seeing all the wildlife along this part of the path. We frequently see geese, turtles, ducks, turkeys, herons, and many cats.  

My oldest son always enjoys seeing the wildlife on this trail. He also loves skipping rocks and throwing sticks into the water (without harming any of the wildlife, of course). If your kids can’t resist skipping stones either, there are plenty of places to stop along this part of the trail for kids to interact with nature. You might even see a train!

As you continue to walk along the path, you’ll reach a fork in the trail. At the fork, turn right. The waterway (which I think is more of a pond) will now be on your right. 

Continue along the trail until you reach the bridge. Note that the section of the trail from the right turn after the fork to the bridge has the least shade coverage. Be sure to bring hats and sunscreen. There are also a few informational panels along the way that educate kids about the wetlands of the area.

When you reach the bridge, turn right and cross it, which leads directly to Jack E. Hill Park, home to two splendid playgrounds. 

The walk from the Del Meyer parking lot to the Jack E. Hill playground is less than a mile (approximately .9 miles, give or take). The one-way walk takes about 20-25 minutes. However, this may fluctuate depending on walking speed or how many stops you make along the trail to skip rocks in the creek and admire the wildlife.   

Jack E. Hill Park in Elk Grove 

These playgrounds are a lot of fun and have interesting climbing features. The toddler playground (ages 2-5) has baby swings. I have to say, it’s one of the more unique playgrounds for toddlers that we’ve come across. The other playground is for older children (ages 5-12), and it has regular strap swings. 

Jack E. Hill Park has lots of shade and picnic tables. When we visit on weekends, the picnic tables fill up quickly or get claimed for birthday parties. On weekdays, they tend to be available. Like most playgrounds, expect weekends to be busy.

Another incredible perk about Jack E. Hill Park? It has restrooms! 

After the kids wear themselves out from playing on the playgrounds, cross back over the bridge for the return trip to the parking lot. Also, don’t be surprised if the kiddos want to stop on the bridge to admire more wildlife, like ducks and herons. 

To head back to the Del Meyer parking lot, turn left after crossing back over the bridge. Don’t forget to make another left when reaching the fork in the trail to continue to the parking lot. 

There is also a parking lot at Jack E. Hill Park. You could technically begin and end the trail at the Jack E. Hill parking lot, but the distance and path may vary based on the route you decide to take if starting the trail from this lot. 

Extended Path 

As you cross back over the bridge from Jack E. Hill Park to the Del Meyer Parking lot, you can turn left or right. Turning left will take you back to the Del Meyer parking lot. If you turn right, there is a small extension trail. 

The small extension trail will take an extra 5-6 minutes. It has an abrupt ending in a neighborhood. Our family simply turns around when we reach the end of the trail. Then, we begin our return journey back to the Del Meyer parking lot. 

The extension path is not paved but is still manageable with a stroller. 

Nearby Food Options 

Let’s face it; as parents, we all need regular caffeine fixes to keep up with the nonstop energy levels of our little ones. Carpenter Coffee is one of my favorite places in Elk Grove to grab a latte. This local roaster operates from a small trailer and always entices me with delicious seasonal offerings. They happen to be across the street from the Del Meyer parking lot. So, grab a caffeinated beverage before or after your family hiking adventure at Del Meyer Park.  

Caffeine aside, our family usually brings our own food for a little picnic and a break in Jack E. Hill Park.  

Del Meyer Park Details

• Approximately 2 miles from the Del Meyer Parking lot to Jack E. Hill Park 
• Trail will total approximately 2.4 miles if you choose to add the small, extended path 
• The Del Meyer parking lot is located at 9625 Elk Grove Florin Rd, Elk Grove, CA 95624