Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Nimbus Flat

    4.2 (46 reviews)

    Nimbus Flat Photos

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Nimbus Flat

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Inflatable kayak

    Kayaking is great here. The water cool and calm. Picnic area is busy yet not too crowded.

    Puppies maiden voyage
    Cynthia L.

    Nimbus Flats is a great family day destination. 10.00 day fee There are plenty of parking spots and shade. Swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. There is launch access conveniently close to the parking lot. There is plenty of wildlife, and the grounds are very clean. It can get a bit noisy, but it just adds to the energy of the park. Paddleboarding was awesome Pretty calm that day with a light wind (9/9/24) I didn't spend too much time on land because we were there to paddleboard, but everyone looked like they were having a blast m, especially the kids. Also, which I thought was great were available lifevests! I suggest you give it a try.

    Some "stupid idijit" dumped their coals near the dry brushes. There are coal dump stations nearby. IDIJITS!!
    Kirk B.

    Nimbus Flats. A great place to Paddle Board, Kayak, Float, Long Distance swimming and also a place to lose some paitence. What do I mean? Let's just say people don't care about any rules or an ounce or respect for even open parking stalls. So let me provide some insights to the first time visitors during the summer. First off, if you have kids or people can't swim. Invest in a lifevest or use the park provided vests. The up-front cost of lifevests far outweigh the costs of a plot and coffin or coffins. And being on the local newscasts. Socialites, don't care if you are good swimmer. If bikini swimwear fashion and looks outweigh using a lifevest. Stay on shore or at home. Secondly, if you decide to come here on the weekend. Don't party or stay up late on a Friday night. Parking can fill up way before 8AM. So get your gear in your vehicle and get here early in the morning. SUP users, air pump ahead if you have a rack. Table spots are first come, first serve basis. As I sit here typing this up. I can see ALL THE DISAPPOINTED PEOPLE after 9:30am. Trust me when I say disappointed. The "I don't care/negative/gripe/vent" section Fair warning, you will smell recreational weed. So your neighboring party may have someone smoking that ganja weed. It can get dusty by wind and people walking by you kicking up dust. When we arrived at the very end, there this family group who decided to unload all of their kayak gear and other gear in a empty parking stall. Then they also decided to move other gear in the roadway. Thus blocking what would be considered a 2 way road. Even the park ranger was shaking his head at the stupidity of this family. Till they noticed the Park Ranger. Another example of the area we were at, there is a loading/unloading section area. Makes sense right? However, a fitness trainer decided to put up his cones to train his trainees. Thus preventing cars to unload gear or even load gear. But he was getting paid so he was oblivious to his surroundings. Why? People don't care. Another example, there are people who parks in the bike entrance trails to either unload/load gear. Or simply become "smart" thinking "rules" don't apply to them, and all of a sudden they became privileged to park there until a Park Ranger shows up and tickets the vehicles. People don't care. Another example, if you bring your own grill. Don't dump your charcoal, hot, warm or cold on the ground near in front of the parking stalls near dry brushes. As Bobby Singer would say " Stupid IDJIIT". Lastly, Bicyclist DON'T CARE ABOUT ANYONE. Period. They will zip by you, travel at high speeds on normal walkways (especially by the water side and picnic area) parking lot and stall areas. They travel in packs and all spaced out to ensure maximum ground coverage before hitting the bike trails. The "This place is great" section Honestly, this is probably the best place to learn SUP (paddle board). The water is calm and managing to balance up-right for practice just makes it easier. Picnic tables are your standard tables of concrete and wood. You can bring your own tables if you are having a party or the pre-determine tables are occupied. I would also recommend a pop up or half dome tent for shade. If you are going to bring a beach umbrella. Bring a weighted stand. Trying to dig your pole into this man made dam ground is a P.I.T.A.. This not by experience but what I witness. All neighbors are respectful of one another space and personal property. Leaving your board or kayak at the shoreline is pretty much monitored by the shoreline visitors. So someone stealing will be visible to all. But the shoreline can quickly fill up. Not just by visitors. But visitors that have kayak, SUP, and those big giant floaties that sits kids or alcholics. LOL The bike and walk trails are nice. Just bring your drink. This is a friendly family location. Kids of all ages love the shoreline as the water is crisp and chilled. As of this writing in August 2022. The water has receded uite a bit. The center section of the park as a water step, site-seeing section. In June the water was just at its last step. Now the water has receded away. But its still a great plqce for everyone to enjoy the water. The restrooms are both gender and non-gender designated. Though Men's bathroom will always look like crap cause most can't even aim or are hella drunk and can't see straight LOL.. And if they need to go #2 them fools need to hold it till they get colon cancer cause one the areas I walked in for #1, I walked out as some fella had an internal and external explosion. Seriously guys, are some of you even potty trained or is your mind slipping as you age? Anyhow, this is still a great place! Setup early, get your grill on, party responsibly, walk to the water and paddle your life away, bike, jog, walk the trails. Afterall enjoyment is never perfect until you make the best of it and then its perfect. Happy trails!

    Paddle boarding
    Justin T.

    What a gem. We got here on Saturday, 6/17/2023, at 3:30pm. Cover: $10 at the entrance. We had an annual pass since we go often to all the state parks. Parking: even though it was Father's Day weekend and it was packed, there was still a lot of parking. Atmosphere: Lots of families that come to paddle board and kayak. There's plenty of beach space where lots of people put up pop up canopies and BBQ. Water: it was still pretty cold but loved it. There are plenty of places to row to if you love to explore. There's a bit of a current but I thing it was due to the wind. I took a nap and ended up floating to the other side. There's also a bridge nearby that you can row under and you can see the I-80 from there. The Aquatic center nearby was closed but it looks like when they are open, they rent out lots of things like paddle boards and sail boats but don't quote me on that. I thoroughly enjoyed all the space we had on the water. It didn't seem crowded at all! I'd suggest coming here over Folsom Lake.

    Josiah H.

    I have taken part in the various water activities here yet, but I've come up where multiple times for a turn around point. During several solo and group cycling rides around the American River Bike Trail. And with it being Summertime and being nice and warm out, I've come to see countless people enjoying the beautiful weather at Nimbus Flat. You can come out to Nimbus Flat and bring or rent paddle boards and kayak's, or you can play near the shores. There's also people who come out to train in the open waters, like those who are training for the swim portion of Triathlon events like a half or full Iron Man. So me I've come out here to enjoy the view of the lake half way through a standard 30-45 miles bike ride. It's a nice break to enjoy and look at even if not playing around the beach side or in the waters. Nimbus Lake is definitely a place to come out and check if possible.

    The lookout
    Brenda B.

    One of our favorite places to visit .Nimbus Flat area is a quick escape from suburbia into fun and peaceful nature. Just minutes of the Hazel ave exit , parking is a breeze, but be prepared to pay a fee of 10$. Once you park, you'll find a boat launch area, bathrooms, picnic tables , a lovely trail that runs along the lake, and of course the lake ! During the warmer months , its can get pretty crowded with kayakers and paddle boarders. It's one of the most convenient places to launch into the lake . There is also a bit of shoreline where families can hang out and splash in the waters . Driving a bit further down the parking lot will take you to a few areas where you can fish and picnic, along with the start of a very easy trail where you can hike and see the lake views . The entire area is dog friendly for well behaved dogs. If you visit often, you may also want to invest in the poppy parking pass that good for a year and works at a lot of state parks around CA. We loved our pass and use it frequently. Enjoy !

    Sail boat on the lake. Someday I will try this.
    Michele M.

    Beautiful place to explore. They have rentals at the Aquatic Center or you can bring your own water toy. I love this lake as no large boats allowed. Lake is big enough to find your own little spot to play or swim. I have been here at this location twice this month. Exploring the different ponds and hidden spots. Fishing swimming or just exploring lake. Right now there are Lots of blackberries along the shore line. We saw several people picking them so we joined in for a tasty treat later or maybe even make some jam if I can get enough. We will be back again.

    Angela C.

    Luv the trails for biking ‍ it's my favorite place to go on the weekends . It's very serene and I luv being near the water !

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of James M.
    132
    29
    40

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 2
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Oli H.
    0
    22
    21

    2 years ago

    Always a great family friendly place to restore your sanity and reconnect with nature!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M D.
    45
    167
    332

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 34
    Thanks 0
    Love this 29
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sunil R.
    1125
    10314
    35559

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Linda T.
    1
    176
    111

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ryan T.
    142
    117
    61

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Amy J.
    504
    204
    1015

    14 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Angela S.
    59
    38
    217

    12 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kayshia T.
    157
    81
    33

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cal K.
    0
    75
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L. L.
    165
    351
    67

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sokthart S.
    154
    135
    155

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Nimbus Flat

    Do they have paddle boats available to rent this time of year?

    Hi! Try the Sacramento aquatic center ( adjacent ). This time of year is tricky due to the weather.… Read more

    Are they kayak rental available?

    They don't have rental kayak there but the aquarium center is really close from there and they have all kind of water equipment for rental

    View All 8 Questions

    Review Highlights - Nimbus Flat

    Lake Natoma has a lot of different areas to jump off from but I think this one is the most popular.

    Mentioned in 4 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Parks 10,525 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

    4.0(82 reviews)
    5.5 mi

    We went yesterday for the train ride! Was donation $2pp. Train ride was soo cute. 15min ride…read morethrough Hagan park in Rancho. About 8min from KP international market. They have a tiny farm there, we saw 2 pigs. More animals available to interact w on Saturdays. Suggested donation $2pp. They take cash there. I thought u needed advanced tickets so bought online but it's really just whoever wants to ride can line up. https://www.svlsrm.org/ Duck pond: tons of duck and geese Water area: part of american river?? Not sure. Can fish there! Playground: With climate change, unpredictable weather, and summers with many days over 100F, would be nice if all parks in the sac area provided shade. This one has shade only over a small set of swings by a picnic area/ by the trains & barn. The main playground had shade near it but no shade over the play structures. Kids going down the slides could get burned- recommend putting up shade to avoid future liability issues. Overall a beautiful park w a good amt of shade, multiple parking lots and multiple picnic areas. Too far for us to come regularly but likely coming back for the train ride during holidays when I think they usually have a Santa there. (You need advance tix for this)

    September 24, 2025 - Rancho Cordova, CA…read more The fenced dog park is great! There's plenty of room for pups to run, with separate areas for big dogs and for small ones (under 15" in height). A few chairs are available for owners, plus a little swimming pool filled with water for the dogs. The grass and shade trees make it extra inviting. It's clear this park is very well cared for.

    Photos
    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn
    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn
    Hagan Community Park, Dog Park, Center & Barn

    See all

    Gum Ranch Park - Hard to see but there is a big gap between the older kids climbing structure and the rope bridge you have to crawl over to get to slide.

    Gum Ranch Park

    4.5(12 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Our visit was in July 2025 to this cute Fair Oaks park within a small neighborhood. The park has a…read moresmall splash pad, and two playgrounds one for younger and older children. My granddaughter who is 8, loved the splash pad & the younger kids playground. The park is not gated and is adjacent to a walking path. Be careful if you have a little runner. The splash pad has a high water bucket dumping water in different directions. There was only one working water spout for the little kids when we came and the frog sprays water but you have to click the yellow button on the blue pole to make it work once it turns off. The older kids playground she loved the round rope swings but did get rope scrapes on back of both legs from swinging on them so be careful. Next time will use a towel under her legs. The big net play structure is fun if you want to just climb around but to get to the slides there is a big gap between the net structures that you have to go past in order to work your way across the rope bridge then to the slide. She was disappointed she couldn't get over to slides as a big gap she couldn't reach other side safely. Really wish there were rope stairs going straight up to slide area so kids can play on slide that can't do rope structure. The younger kids playground was nice. Multiple climbing structures that included a slide, rope hammock, a turning swing type activity. Parking is along the street only. Park has Drinking fountains and clean bathrooms. There are two picnic table areas. One down by the playgrounds and another by the splash pad.

    Solid kid's park in the Fair Oaks area with a splash pad perfect for kiddos. Would be nice if there…read morewere more splash pad-adjacent toys or interactive components, as well as more shaded structures or overhanging trees, as the summers get crazy hot with exposed grassy areas. There are 2 picnic bench areas where you can settle in with food/supplies, as well as an adjacent bathroom and pickleball court. Large grassy area to run around and a small walking trail as well. There's plenty of room to expand, so hopefully they can add additional amenities moving forward. Plenty of adjacent street parking in the community. Recommended.

    Photos
    Gum Ranch Park - 5-12 yr old structure

    5-12 yr old structure

    Gum Ranch Park - Two Round rope swings

    Two Round rope swings

    Gum Ranch Park - Little kid playground side, slide just past this but I didn't take a picture of it

    See all

    Little kid playground side, slide just past this but I didn't take a picture of it

    Jensen Botanical Gardens - 3/15/26 Stopped by today to see whether he Tulips are in bloom. They are!

    Jensen Botanical Gardens

    4.2(62 reviews)
    4.8 mi

    Very beautiful out door area with walking trails near by. Very small parking lot and a quick turn…read moreoff of the busy highway. My husband happened to notice the sign driving by one day. He kept saying he wanted to stop by. We visited in October cooler weather and in the morning. A few people were also enjoying the area. I posted a few pictures on Facebook another person said go back in March when more flowers are in bloom. We hope we can go back then or at least in the spring time.

    A little disappointing as I had read reviews about tulips in bloom around this time of year and…read morearrived to find none. Very easy to miss the entrance due to the fast-moving traffic on the main road. The gravel parking lot is a bit small, so it fills up fast. If full, the next best thing would be probably to circle around to the back where the Carmichael Community Garden is. It has a gravel lot, with a paved walkway connecting to the botanical garden. If you can, go on a weekday! I went on Sunday afternoon, and there were 3-4 small families and a large group doing photoshoots. Plenty of benches throughout and a huge grassy area perfect for picnics. Though I didn't see much, it would be best to keep an eye out for dog poop. It's a nice place to check out if you're already in the area. Depending on what you're hoping to see, it may not be worth the trek. Of all the flowers, roses make up the majority. Unless it's through your camera, you won't be able to see a small portion of flowers and bushes up close due to how the garden is arranged.

    Photos
    Jensen Botanical Gardens
    Jensen Botanical Gardens
    Jensen Botanical Gardens

    See all

    Nimbus Flat - parks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...