Home › California › Davis › Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 37 Google reviews · Running trail in Davis, California · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Putah Creek Riparian Reserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
The Putah Creek Riparian Preserve provides an opportunity for a relaxing, easy walk along the levee -- pretty much for as far as you want to go. We started at the eastern end at the Old Davis Road Parking Lot and headed west. UC Davis fruit trees on the right, Putah Creek flood plain on the left.
2/1/2026 Was in the area of Winters because I thought I was going to hit a Farmers Market, but they didn't have a Farmers Market, like, at all! So on the look out for a walking trail and came across this little gem on my search for some walking trails. Two entrances and two parking spots that I passed.
Great place for a light hike. You can select a main road trail or some off path "hiking". I go here regularly to get away. Fishing is no good though.
Go here often with my friends. Nice trails and creek to hangout at, walk around or swim in.
Trail conditions & character
“We started at the eastern end at the Old Davis Road Parking Lot and headed west.”
Plan your run at Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking — reported by runners
- Websiteputahcreek.ucdavis.edu
- Phone(530) 752-0763
Hours
| Monday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Thursday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Friday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Saturday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
| Sunday | 6 AM–9:30 PM |
Running trails near Davis
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
