Gibson Ranch was a working ranch in the 1800’s, and was bought by the Sacramento Park District to offer boarding for horses as well as a working ranch curriculum to city children. There are 5-6 miles of flat trails, generally road-width, with good drainage for winter riding even after a downpour, and mature trees for shade in summer. In addition to pastures with horses, there are other farm animals (such as goats, cattle, geese and ducks) here and there, and boarders with their horses, as well as swimmers and picnickers in summer.

This park has restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables: full park facilities. At the equestrian parking area, there are picnic tables, and also a very large grassy oval that was a racetrack. The footing is variable, but the oval can be used by riders--just watch for unevenness.

Directions: From Hwy 80, take the Antelope exit; go west to Watt, then turn north on Watt, to Elverta Road. Go left on Elverta (after WalMart), continue past the light at 28th St., then turn right into the park, where you pay an entry fee. Horse trailer parking is 1.4 mi. after the kiosk, straight thru the park and all the way around to the right, where there is a huge paved parking lot for dozens of trailers.

For more information, call Gibson Ranch Park, 916-991-7592.