We recently finished our first time backpacking around Lake Natoma, as training for our Denali trip. Our goal is to make it twice around the lake in one day with full backpacking gear before our 26 mile backpacking adventure in Alaska. We completed one lap as our first trial run and discovered the many issues and considerations we’ll have to workout with our gear, our feet and mindset. Our first time around, we started late and forgot sunblock and our skin paid the price. Doubling up on socks wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Hopefully, the first time around was the worst time around. It served as a reminder to pack light.

You can also view the route on Map my run by clicking here.

The bike trail surrounding lake Natoma is 11.4 miles- We often ventured off the bike trail to zig zag on the trails along the lake, pushing the trip up to 12+ Miles. It is a great route to train for cycling, marathons/triathlons or what have you. The landscape changes with a few hills and turns, from tree coverage to open fields, all ensuring you get a variety of environments in one run.  I get  a huge boost every time I make it around whether I’m backpacking, running or cycling the lake. It is big enough to feel like a decent accomplishment for a day and doesn’t require you to leave Sacramento.