01
Best in-town stroll
Clovis Old Town & Dry Creek Trail
Through Central Clovis • Paved Urban Greenway • Best For Casual Strolls
A flat, well-kept trail that threads through Clovis with shady stretches, creek views, and easy access from town neighborhoods.
If you want to stretch your legs without leaving town, this is the go-to path. The trail feels surprisingly green, with trees, landscaped sections, and a creek corridor offsetting the suburban setting. It’s ideal for an after-work walk, a family bike-and-hike, or a relaxed training loop where you can choose your distance.
02
Best riverfront route
Lewis S. Eaton Trail
Along The San Joaquin River North Of Fresno • Riverside Multi-Use Trail • Best For Sunrise Or Sunset Outings
A popular paved and gravel path along the San Joaquin River with big sky views toward the Sierra and plenty of room to roam.
This trail trades city streets for open river scenery, with long sightlines and views that get better the closer you are to sunrise or sunset. Walkers and runners stick to the paved sections while more adventurous hikers dip onto side paths toward the river bluffs. It’s a great choice when you want a sense of space and mountain views without a long drive into the foothills.
03
Wildflower-season favorite
McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve
Foothills Northeast Of Clovis • Foothill Nature Preserve • Best For Spring Hiking
An open plateau hike that shines in spring, with rolling grasslands, wildflowers, and views over the San Joaquin River canyon.
When the hills turn green and the wildflowers come in, locals head for this preserve. The climb onto the table-top plateau is moderate but steady, rewarding you with a broad, open landscape and big views rather than dense forest. Go earlier in the day for cooler temperatures and bring water—shade is limited but the scenery is worth it.
04
Best lakeside escape
Millerton Lake State Recreation Area
North Of Clovis At Millerton Lake • Lakeside Trail Network • Best Summer Lake Escape
Rolling trails above Millerton Lake combine shoreline views, oak-dotted hills, and options for both short walks and longer hikes.
Millerton offers classic Central Valley foothill scenery—golden hills, blue water, and scattered oaks—with the bonus of a swim or picnic after your hike. Trails like the Blue Oak route wind along ridges and coves, giving you frequent lake vistas and a bit more elevation gain than the in-town paths. It’s a versatile spot where you can keep things mellow or turn the day into a more substantial workout.
05
Most adventurous option
San Joaquin River Gorge Recreation Area
Upper San Joaquin River Gorge Near Auberry • Canyon And Foothill Trail System • Best For Longer Weekend Hikes
A more rugged network of dirt trails dropping into the San Joaquin River Gorge, with bridges, switchbacks, and standout river views.
For hikers ready to go beyond paved paths, the river gorge delivers a real trail experience within a reasonable drive from Clovis. Routes such as the bridge and canyon trails mix switchback descents, creek crossings, and steady climbs back out, so you’ll want solid shoes and water. The payoff is a sense of being out in the foothills proper, with fewer crowds and a wilder feel than closer-to-town options.