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UC Davis - Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve
4.7 ★★★★★ 154 Google reviews · Running trail in Winters, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Loop distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Loop
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from UC Davis - Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural 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.
Popular hike featuring a number of trails, offering steep sections and views.
What runners say about UC Davis - Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve
“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.”
“Really beautiful nature preserve, easy trail going for a beautiful view of lake berryessa.”
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.
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.
Amazing views. If you do the full look there are some pretty steep areas and some larger rocks to maneuver. This trail was fairly heavily trafficked on the counterclockwise path to the peak, but only moderate traffic on the homestead side.
Nice view but difficult hike. Make sure to get here early before temperature gets too warm for hiking. Pack enough water and wear sunscreen.
Trail conditions & character
“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.”
“While Annie loop is less than 5 miles the switchbacks and incline especial on the ridge can get intense.”
“The Homestead Trail,The Blue Ridge Trail, Tuleyome Peak, and Annie's Loop are all currently REOPENED after the 2020 fire.”
“A glorious spring weekend for hiking, the parking lots were full and the hiking trails were packed on certain segments.”
“Numerous hikers with unleashed dogs, some of which were aggressive.”
“Good fitness would be a plus, as there are steep, rocky and technical sections of the trail.”
Plan your run at UC Davis - Stebbins Cold Canyon Natural Reserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- 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
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Websitenaturalreserves.ucdavis.edu
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