Why restrict yourself to Fresno jogging paths in the summer when temperatures are hot and shade it minimal? Only a couple hour drive straight down Highway 99 is the Ripon Jogging Trail. Parking is free, shade is plentiful a coolness drifts up from the water below several of the bridges along the trail, winds pass over the water next to the trail and the trail heads away from major roads to provide relatively clean air.
In order to reach the trail take Highway 99 North from Fresno and take the first Ripon exit and turn right once you exit. There is a small parking lot which is typically relatively empty. Parking is free. Go through the two pillars and you start a jog on a trail that is relatively flat and takes you over a long bridge shaded by a thick tree canopy. Continue away from the freeway and you will get a great leg work out as the trail goes uphill and downhill repeatedly. You needn't worry about extreme heat because these stretches are predominantly shaded and next to the river. You can take this trail all the way through connecting trails to the dead-end which is approximately 20 miles round trip. Alternatively you can turn around anytime to reduce the length. There is good cell phone reception the entire trail so you can use many smart phone applications to track you speed and mileage as you drive. A final benefit is that the trail seems rarely used so you can meditate and think in peace and quiet as you run. Finish with a smile and calm attitude along with the satisfaction of knowing you got a fantastic workout.














Comments