Delta River Ride to Sacramento with Return by Train

A 53-Mile Ride Through California History

This 53-mile journey rolls straight through the story of California.

The Delta is where the state’s two great rivers, the Sacramento and the San Joaquin, come together. Long before freeways and flight apps, riverboats ruled these waterways as California’s first mass transit system. Sacramento later became the western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad, and the rail line to Lodi is part of that same historic corridor that linked Sacramento to the San Francisco Bay just months after the Golden Spike was driven at Promontory in 1869.

When railroad construction wrapped up, thousands of Chinese laborers stayed on to build many of the levees and roads you will ride today. Their legacy lives on in the small river towns that dot the route.

Plan to start early so you can take your time soaking in this stretch of old California. The terrain is flat, but Delta winds have a mind of their own, so factor that into your pacing. Timing also matters if you are catching the train back. Amtrak’s San Joaquin Train 704 departs Sacramento at 4:55 pm and arrives in Lodi at 5:33 pm. Tickets are available online or at the Sacramento depot. Buying onboard comes with a hefty surcharge. Bicycles ride free, just roll them on.

Optional stops along the way include Panaderia Primo’s Bakery, Walnut Grove, and Holland Market. Fuel for the ride and a good excuse to linger.

History, fresh air, and a tailwind if you are lucky. Not a bad way to spend the day.

Length: 53 mi | Elevation: + 420 / - 436 ft | Features: Food

View Full Route

REPORT ROAD MAINTENANCE:
Lodi Roads (209) 333-6740
San Joaquin Co. Roads (209) 468-3074

REPORT NUISANCE DOGS:
Lodi (209) 333-6741, after-hours (209) 333-6727
San Joaquin Co. (209) 953-6070
Rabies Control/Bite (209) 953-6073

Important tips:

Download turn-by-turn directions by clicking on View Full Route on the map above.
Prevailing winds are usually from the Northwest.
Please obey all the rules of the road. People speed on country roads so be sure to stop at all stop signs.

*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.