Granite Bay Staging Area (Folsom Lake State Recreation Area)                                                                                                                                

Location: Granite Bay (Placer County) – Take Douglass Blvd to park entrance          

Phone: 916 988-0205 (District Office)

Web Site: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=500

Directions: Granite Bay Staging area is located at the east end of Douglass Blvd in Granite Bay - Douglas Blvd dead ends at the main entrance to the Folsom Lake Recreation Area. Once in the gates you go about a mile and turn left onto the staging area road – there is signage.

From Hwy 80 exit Douglas Blvd and go east until you run into the park entrance – Douglas Blvd can be heavy traffic.

From Hwy 50 take Folsom Blvd exit heading north towards Folsom Lake. Folsom Blvd turns into Folsom-Auburn Blvd, at Douglas turn right and you will head straight to the park entrance.

Amenities: there are picnic tables and a fairly large area to picnic

Staging area: Large staging area that can accompany several rigs (20 – 40 depending on size). New as of Fall 2010 - a new disabilities ramp that has been reloacted outside the parking area, a round pen has been put up near the picnic area, new picnic tables have been installed, a new water trough was put in, water fountains and 3 wash racks were added. Please note that this is just one of several staging areas around Folsom Lake.

Dogs:  allowed on lease

Trails: Variety of trails. Some trails are wide and very easy and riders can easily ride side by side – these trails are mainly heading south towards Beal’s Point. Other trails – mainly heading north across Twin Rocks Rd, are single track and have drop-offs and are quite technical. Depending on the water level of the lake there are also beach trails. Watch the trail signs - there are trails just for horses and there are also multi use trails so you will more than likely see bicycles on those. Many people walk their dogs on the trails and you will come across loose dogs although that is not allowed. Most of the footing on these trails is decomposed granite and/or sand so the footing is good year round. Also noted as of Fall 2012 - a heard of goats occasionally graze on the trails near a boarding facility which I believe is their home. They are loose when away from the boarding facility but have not come near the horses.

Maps of the trails on a bandana are for sale at various tack stores including Lee's, Douglas Ranch and Foothill Feed. All money is a donaton and goes back into the Folsom Lake Recreation Area to fund improvements.

Water: there is a water trough and wash racks  

Restroom facilities: there are permanent facilities with 2 bathrooms

Other info: This is a large recreational area which not only has trails for riding, hiking and biking but also offers non horse camping, boating, fishing and swimming.

Fees: $12 day use, $15 on the weekend (there is a yearly pass you can purchase , the Poppy pass is $125 for a year. The passes will work at many of the State parks - each type of pass comes with a list when purchased. Passes can be purchased at a state park ranger office or on line and are good for 1 year from month of purchase .)

See “trail pictures” tab located to the left of this page for photos and more information.

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Friendly reminder, be smart, do not leave any valuables in your vehicle.