UC Davis - Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve — Attraction in Vacaville

UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve is the most popular hike in Sacramento. I went exploring this hike on August/22/2021. The Homestead Trail,The Blue Ridge Trail, Tuleyome Peak, and Annie's Loop are all currently REOPENED after the 2020 fire. It has no entrance fee, but UC Davis does ask for a donation. Parking is available but only in designated areas, while a portable toilet is located in the lower parking area. Note - there is no water available on the trail so be sure to bring your own. My hike was about 8 miles, with around 2,000 ft of elevation gain. The condition of the trails is good and they are well marked. UC Davis is focused on trying to rebuild and has put in very good work on these trails around this canyon. Although it is a steep hike, it is doable. I hiked through areas of burned trees the whole way but the green of new growth gave a beautiful hue and the wildflowers were blooming. Overall …. there is a lot of up & up & ups and as many down, down, downs. Dirt paths make up 99.9 percent of the trails, and are exposed to the sun. They are mostly single track, with a lot of switchbacks, with some climbing of rocks. However all the effort was paid back generously by the gorgeous views of Lake Berryessa on one side, the green Valley Putah Creek on the other side, and all of it being surrounded by the brown tan of the canyon. It was absolutely well worth every single step! The 360 degrees views at the summit are so amazing, phenomenal…. It's simply incredible, how powerful Mother Nature is. As mentioned, it is steep and rocky. So best to definitely wear a backpack, to bring plenty of water, along with trekking poles. Make sure you wear appropriate hiking boots, a hat, sunscreen, and don't forget the snacks, and a camera. Most important is to plan to go early in the day during the Spring-Fall seasons as to avoid the high temperatures. One more thing to mention,The Morning Glory Spillway Hole was as dry as my MONEY... If you truly love to hike / explore and you're in the Sacramento area, then this...

It is pretty and green in February, got a great sunny day. There can be a lot of people on a weekend, but the trail is mostly wide enough that going around people is not a problem. There is a 5.2 mile loop that has some pretty steep sections, both smooth and rocky. You might find yourself using your hand is some of the rocky steep parts. If you do the out-and-back to The Homestead, it is a fairly easy hike with some elevation but no scrambling, and is the better hike when it's hot. They call it Cold Canyon for a reason! There is also the new ridge trail, which is quite steep initially, but flattens out a bit on the ridge top. All in all a very nice hike, close to my house, and has options for people of different levels of fitness. There have been a number of people that have had to be rescued, so be careful and aware of your abilities, and carry water. Also, please, please please do not cut the switchbacks, the volunteer trail maintenance workers have plenty to do without bad habits creating more work, and as always, pack out your trash, even orange peels, the stick around for along time and make the stopping spots...

Beautiful scenery, and a great loop trail of about 5 miles which is now fully open again after the fire. There's an additional loop that adds 3 miles. Google the web site for maps and info. The view of Lake Berryessa and the surrounding hills is spectacular. There's an old shepherd's homestead that's interesting, and marked with signs and history. Good fitness would be a plus, as there are steep, rocky and technical sections of the trail. The ridgeline is exposed, so carry plenty of water or avoid during hot weather. Numerous hikers with unleashed dogs, some of which were aggressive. If you bring your dogs (dogs not allowed, but this is not enforced), please keep them under your control and leashed. All in all, this is a highly recommended...