Rancho Cordova is located in Sacramento County, CA which was incorporated in 2003. It is part of the Sacramento Metropolitan Area. Rancho Cordova was awarded as a winner of the All-America City Award, in 2010 and 2019.

Rancho Cordova rests in the heart of Northern California, with exploration awaiting at every turn. Nearly 6 miles of the famous scenic American River flows along the northern edge of Rancho Cordova, providing an abundance of recreational occasions – from fishing and biking to rafting the American River or just walking and running along the waterway on the fabulous walking trails.

The American River is famous for being one of California’s premier fisheries. Opportunities for year-round fly fishing on the Lower American River are plentiful— striped bass, American shad, migrating steelhead, and Chinook salmon all come through at different times of the year.

In the hot summer months for which there is no shortage, going for a swim on the American River becomes a beloved activity in Rancho Cordova. Set out on either the upper or lower portion of Sunrise Recreation Area for excellent picnic facilities, beaches, and nature walks. Visitors can reach the park by bike on the Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail, while several paid parking lots in both the upper and lower areas also provide access for swimming.

Apart from great amenities like a dog park, sports fields, picnic areas, serene walking trails and playgrounds, the Hagan Community Park provides another accessible place to swim in the American River. Pebbled shorelines with small stretches of sand are wonderful for taking a dip and enjoying the sun at Hagan.

A self-Guided Float Trip is hands-down one of the best ways to experience the Lower American River in Rancho Cordova. Start at the popular boat launch at Lower Sunrise Recreation Area and drift on Class I and II ripples through the scenic American River Parkway to River Bend Park (about two hours total). Bring your own rafts and paddles or rent everything you need from Rancho Cordova’s American River Raft Rentals. American River Raft Rentals offers rafts for four to 12 people and shuttle bus services to get you back to your car at the end of your float trip. They take reservations, which are highly recommended on weekends and holidays.

For kayaking the American River the Class I and II ripples on the Lower American River offer an perfect waterway for beginning river kayakers. Flowing right alongside Rancho Cordova, this stretch offers suitable put-in and take-out access for short jaunts down the river and plenty of calm-water sections to help new paddlers get comfortable on the river. American River Raft Rentals offers single- and double-person kayaks plus paddles and life vests if you don’t have your own.

After a day on the water, you’ll find plenty of other things to do in Rancho Cordova, with lots of lodging options, a thriving dining scene, and breweries and wineries where you can recount your adventures.