San Juan Rapids — Local services in Rancho Cordova

'22/3 1st Review & Patronize (with hubby & 6yr grandson in tow) [Preface: 5-stars for the Banister Park shared basic amenities at San Jan Rapids (dirt, hiking) trailhead and nature preserve/beauty/serenity of it all vs. modern creature comforts most newer parks boast.] -- Plenty of free, older-paved parking given this simple-amenity, 40+ year old park--while easy to find once turn down Banister Park's namesake road--is backed to the rural American River Parkway rather than a compact residential neighborhood. That said, the simple two lane road could experience congestive periods mornings & afternoons when the Waldorf K-12 school (street dead end, and south side border of park) is in session. -- Just a short walk s e. from co-shared Banister Park's parking lot, down the only paved (multi-use, asphalt) path is the San Jaun Rapids trail head. -- The large, cinder-block restroom building is also at the parking lot's edge. Single gender (though several stalls), sink, hand dryer, and water fountain on exterior side's wall. -- Seating (none formally once leave the park). -- Play Structures: none, other that what nature provides. This is a natural hike/river access other than the well-worn hike paths to get from Banister Park to San Juan Rapids and back. -- The large, semi-flat, rapids area becons nature lovers (dog walkers, hikers, birders, & bikers). -- Banister Park is the gateway into the American River Parkway (and subsequent San Juan Rapids trail) which leads off immediately with the San Juan Rapids (dirt) trail to the south east. During non-drought summers, this section of the river has been the exciting delight of many a rafter over the years. . [See pix...

Tubing and paddling safety. We have worked the San Juan Rapids on occasion for water safety and the best advice I can give ‘floaters’ is to wear a USCG approved properly sized and fitted lifejacket for drowning prevention.

If the water has been running high you can expect either a really fun run through the rapids, or depending upon what type of flotation device of float you are with it can become a capsize. You may lose all your booze lol

So be prepared by monitoring the river flow and water conditions and weather conditions. Have all your important gear placed in floating waterproof bags or containers with your contact information inside, I would advise to use tethers or leashes to secure them.

If your float ends up on the shore tree line you may suffer a puncture, so perhaps a hand pump and field patch kit. Folks are exposed to the sun so watch that and hydration. All non-swimmer’s should wear a PFD, make sure your phones are fully charged! If you need to haul out and take a break this may not be good for floaters but great for kayaks.

Have a fun...

When navigating (tubing or rafting) the Sunrise portion of the American river, on a hot summertime weekend, you will normally see many hanging out on the clay banks. It's at this time you will need to move to the right (east or away from the banks) or not. If not, you will get caught in what I call the washing machine where the current will keep bringing you back - I think it's fun but eventually you have move on because the San Juan Rapids are calling. Ah the Rapids. A place of joy. The best rapid is a little...