Get Outdoors: Why Lodi is a Year-Round Destination for Adventurists

Outdoor and adventure enthusiasts from across Northern California and beyond flock to Lodi to embrace the unique activities that we have in our region.

With a Mediterranean climate of mild winters and warm summers – Lodi offers optimal weather for year-round outdoor exploration! Whether you are taking in the sights by water or foot, there is always something exciting to explore in Lodi, California.

Kayak the Mokelumne River

The Mokelumne River is a 95-mile-long river that flows from the central Sierra Nevada into the Central Valley. Luckily for those visiting Lodi, you will have the gorgeous Mokelumne River at your fingertips, with an access point through Lodi Lake Park. Here, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards from Lodi Boathouse and choose from fun guided group tours or solo adventures. Take in the beauty of the natural surroundings, plan a swim, or bring some small bites to enjoy as you glide along the scenic river. Coming in the fall or winter? Enjoy cooler temperatures, foliage tours, and easy gliding!

Sandhill Crane Tours

Lodi is the perfect spot for winter bird-watching! From late October to February, we’re fortunate to host Sandhill Cranes along their southern migration path. These majestic birds, standing about 4 feet tall with wingspans of up to 6 feet, thrive in the shallow marshlands surrounding Lodi, making it an ideal roosting spot. In addition to the annual Sandhill Crane Festival that takes place on the first weekend of November, be sure to schedule a Sandhill Crane Wetland Tour at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, or pack your gear and a snack and set out to explore at the Staten Island Preserve.

Pro tip: For the best viewing experience, visit the wetlands at dusk when Sandhill Cranes are roosting. This timing also increases your chances of witnessing their majestic evening fly-in.

Lodi Lake Wilderness Area

Explore the wilderness area of Lodi Lake, featuring 3.2 miles of trails through a riparian forest, perfect for all ages and experience levels. Enjoy the sights of native fauna, including oak trees and cottonwoods, along with abundant opportunities for birdwatching and views of the stunning Mokelumne River. Feel free to bring your bike and helmet, as cycling is a welcome way to navigate the area. Keep your eyes peeled—nature trail visitors often encounter deer, as a fun surprise!

Bird Walk at Lodi Lake

Get your binoculars ready! The San Joaquin Audubon Society conducts a monthly bird walk at the Woodbridge Wilderness Area. The San Joaquin Audubon Society hosts a monthly bird walk at the Woodbridge Wilderness Area, and it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and see what’s fluttering through Lodi’s backyard.

Bike Lodi Wine Country

Take Lodi by bike with gorgeous vineyard views in the distance – choose from various routes that provide the ultimate terrain for your experience level. With routes such as “The Farmers Breakfast” and “The Winery Loop” you simply must experience Lodi by way of cycling if you are up for the added cardio!

Pro tip: Head to Lodi Cyclery for a seamless bike rental experience and be sure to check our events calendar for annual cycling events in Lodi.

So there you have it—Lodi is a treasure trove of outdoor adventures just waiting to be explored! Whether you’re paddling along the picturesque Mokelumne River, marveling at the majestic Sandhill Cranes, or cycling through our stunning wine country, there’s something for everyone here. Grab your gear, grab some friends, and book your trip to Lodi today!

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Natalie Morlino

Author

Natalie Morlino

Community Engagement & Communications Manager

Natalie is a natural storyteller eager to make authentic connections with her community. An avid world traveler, she’s always ready to pull up a barstool at a cozy restaurant, meet new people, and spot a Lodi wine on the menu. Since trading city life for wine country, you’ll find her in Lodi shopping the farmers market, hunting for antiques, or exploring a new winery with her fiancé, son, and their pug — glass of Zin in hand, of course.

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Lodi Bike Routes

Lodi is a top destination for avid cyclists and recreational riders alike.

Welcome cyclists! Lodi is a great place to bike. Why do cyclists love Lodi so much? Maybe it's our year-round Mediterranean climate and flat, endless country roads lined with scenic vineyards, orchards, and tranquil pastures. Perhaps it's the reward of arriving at dozens of wineries and tasting rooms nestled among vibrant vines for a well-deserved glass of Lodi wine. Or could it be the many cycling events that Lodi hosts throughout the year?

Lodi is within easy cycling distance of the Cosumnes River Preserve (great birding area in the fall and spring), the Delta (small river towns along the Sacramento River), and Micke Grove Park (zoo, historical society, and manicured park grounds). Lodi cyclists have put together a number of routes that will help you to explore our region. Ride through the valley's rich agricultural and viticultural landscapes. Visit wineries, cultural attractions, and an eclectic mix of restaurants along the way. It's the perfect getaway for cyclists.

All of the bike routes can be printed from the Visit Lodi website, downloaded into your Garmin or accessed through the RideWithGPS app on your phone. Click here for more information about using the RideWithGPS app.

Happy cycling!

The Top 9 Lodi, CA Bike Routes

  1. Cosumnes River Preserve with Blossom Road Loop | 36.4 mi
  2. The Farmer's Breakfast Ride | 26.9 mi
  3. Four Corners Ride | 25.2 mi
  4. Garden of Eden Ride | 25.9 mi
  5. Delta River Ride to Sacramento with Return by Train | 53 mi
  6. The Winery Loop | 25.5 mi
  7. Ride Country Roads Linking Lodi, Galt, Thornton, and Woodbridge with Food Stops | 40 mi
  8. Bird Lights & Birds | 23.4 mi
  9. Short & Sweet | 13.6 mi

Click here for more Lodi routes.

Bike Sales, Rental & Repair

Tandem Bikes & Brews has bike rentals ready for your next ride, plus expert bike repair to keep everything rolling smoothly. You will find them at 9 N School St, and you can give them a call at (209) 365-7033 for details.

Bonus perk, you can grab coffee, beer, wine, and snacks while you are there. Because sometimes the best part of a bike ride is the refuel.





Annual Cycling Events in Lodi
The Lodi is filled with cycling enthusiasts who host and support a number of annual cycling events including but not limited to:

  • Lodi Cyclefest | Presented by Michael David Winery and Delta Velo Cycling. This annual event takes place in downtown Lodi featuring a 5K run followed by amateur and professional men's and women's races as well as The Vintners Cup - a beach cruiser race exclusively for wine industry professionals. For more information, visit www.deltavelo.com/lodi_cyclefest.
  • Tour delle Vigne | Presented by the Lodi Sunrise Rotary Club. A 50K, 100K or 100-mile ride through Lodi Wine Country. Visit www.tourdellevigne.com for details.
  • Giro D'Vino | Presented by Michael David Winery and Delta Velo Cycling. A 48-mile tour through Lodi Wine Country with stops at numerous wineries. Visit www.deltavelo.com/giro_d_vino for more information.
  • Cyclocross | This annual race has been hosted at LangeTwins Winery since 2009, including the 2014 USA Cycling/NCNCA District Cyclocross Championship.





Other Cycling Options in Lodi, CA
In addition to yearly sports and cycling events, both Michael David Winery and LangeTwins Family Winery actively sponsor cycling teams as well as individual professional cyclists.

  • Michael David Winery's Delta Velo Cycling team (www.deltavelo.com) competes yearly in nearly 100 events in California and across the country.
  • LangeTwins Family Winery sponsors a Cyclocross Team with, partner and local Cyclocross sensation, Cody "The Kid" Kaiser.
*Caution: You will be riding primarily on country roads with no bike lanes. Please ride responsibly and pull off the road to let large farm machinery pass safely. The routes in this map are provided as a representation of routes commonly used by local riders. No representation is made that they are safe from vehicular, animal, or road hazards. Users are cautioned to exercise judgment. Users assume all risks of riding bikes on the routes and agree to release hold harmless Visit Lodi! from any and all injuries or damages incurred as a result of riding on the routes.



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