Come Discover the Wildlife, Hiking Trails, Scenic Views, History and Wonders of the Outdoor World at Sailor Bar!
How to Enter Sailor Bar
Enter from Olive Avenue in Fair Oaks – 8266 Olive Avenue
Enter from Illinois Avenue in Fair Oaks- 4253 Illinois Avenue
Sailor Bar is located along the shore of the American River Parkway.
Our sites are operated as part of Sacramento Regional County Parks. You will enjoy discovering the miles of trails as they wind through Oak Woodlands, meadows, a large pond and river bluffs. We are a favorite destination for hikers, wildlife watchers and families seeking a peaceful escape.
Sailor Bar is a Haven for Wildlife
Sailor Bar supports an impressive diversity of wildlife and native plants. Visitors frequently encounter mule deer, coyotes, foxes, skunks, wild turkeys, river otters, beavers, turtles and many reptiles.
Bird watchers will find exceptional opportunities – with more than 200 species recorded! Species include waterbirds, Bald Eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, songbirds and seasonally migrating wildlife. You will also find several Great Blue Heron rookeries (nests) located at Sailor Bar.
Recreation
Sailor Bar is a park with a lot of history and wonderful present day opportunities. Settled by gold-seeking sailors, this park was dredged for gold during the Gold Rush. Today, visitor activities such as rafting, fishing, horseback riding and nature gazing, have replaced the adventures of historic explorers.
How to Get There
From U.S. 50, exit onto Hazel Avenue. Make a left at Winding Way, then another left on Illinois Avenue. The park entrance will be at the bottom of a small hill.
Activities
- Sailor Bar is a very popular launching spot for small watercraft and rafts. A gravel road provides launch access.
- An equestrian trail weaves through the park, while access to the Jedediah Smith Memorial Bike Trail can be found across the river.
- Early fall finds fishing enthusiasts’ eager to take advantage of both pond and river fishing. A fishing pond near the river offers year-round angling.
- Also near this pond is a nature trail that leads to riparian (riverside) and historic locations where deer, coyotes, hawks and owls may be seen.
Hours and Fees
The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset. Parking fees are collected year-round, even on special event days and on weekends.
Park Fees
- $8 Vehicle
- $15 Vehicles with Trailer (ex. Boat or Horse) or RV
- $30 Bus
- Vehicle fees increase over Summer Holiday Weekends.
Special Event fees vary by event. Self-payment is required if no fee collector is present.
Picnics Allowed: Yes
Amenities
- 12 benches and 7 tables to rest, picnic, draw and enjoy the scenic park and river views (see the benches and tables)
- Drinking Fountain for “Fido” and her human friends
- Bathrooms
Brochure and map
See also the Trails page for trail safety and AllTrails routes.