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Stebbins Cold Canyon Loop

RECOMMENDED ROUTE
Difficult Difficult
 4.4 (31)
  1. Areas
  2. CA
  3. …Sacramento Valley
  4. …Lake Berryessa
  5. Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve
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“A challenging trail with a great view of Lake Berryessa from the top. ”

Justin Johnsen
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Map Key

5.1

Miles

8.2

KM

Loop

1,539' 469 m

High

231' 71 m

Low

1,413' 431 m

Up

1,409' 430 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

47%

Max Grade (25°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

Overview

A challenging trail close to Davis with a great view of Lake Berryessa.

Need to Know

A major fire in early 2015 led to moving the trailhead and trail reroutes. Respect that this is a nature reserve (and enjoy the amazing habitats it protects). Observe the revegetation signs and step around covered areas next to the trail. Do not attempt the tunnels if any water is present in them, and consider bringing a light source for them even during daylight. Be off the trails by dark, since they are closed from sunset to sunrise.

Description

Park at the new expanded 2016 trailhead, with its convenient port-a-potty. This is a bit north of where it used to be, adding a short, fairly level flat extension to the Homestead Trail. Use the trailhead registration box just past the parking lot. From here, pass through the tunnels under the highway, unless there is any water present (then turn around and call it a day).

The next trail junction past the tunnels shows the the start of the Blue Ridge Loop to the right. Here, there is a steep, 1.6-mile climb to the top of the ridge line. From there, you continue along the top of the ridge line. Another 1.5 miles along the ridge line, there is a junction where you can continue onto Annie's Rock or turn left and head down into the valley floor via the Homestead Trail and then back to the start.

Check the reserve's website for other current information on closures.

Flora & Fauna

Poison oak abounds.

Contacts

Local Club: Tuleyome

Land Manager: UC Davis National Reserve System

Shared By:

Justin Johnsen with improvements by Marinka Swift and 1 other
Full Details

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 31 votes

#1

in Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

#368

Overall
  4.4 from 31 votes
5 Star
48%
4 Star
39%
3 Star
13%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#1

in Stebbins Cold Canyon R…

#55

in California

#368

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Photos

Under Armour posture for the beautiful Lake Berryessa
Apr 21, 2019 near Winters, CA
View of Markley Canyon from Blue Ridge Trail
Apr 8, 2019 near Winters, CA
Lake Berryessa near sunset, seen from where the Blue Ridge Trail first reaches its namesake ridge.
Oct 10, 2016 near Winters, CA
View from about half way up.
May 30, 2023 near Winters, CA
Homestead-Blue Ridge.
Oct 14, 2016 near Winters, CA
A steep section.
Oct 14, 2016 near Winters, CA

3 Comments

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Add Your Check-In

Check-Ins

May 29, 2023
Mike Morley
2h 15m
Apr 2, 2023
Manoj Abey
5.5mi — 4h 30m
Dec 23, 2022
Rachel Hammonds
Great hike with some challenging areas. Breathtaking views. Will definitely visit again. 6.7mi — 3h 09m
Jul 3, 2020
Akhil Singhvi
Oct 13, 2019
Matt Qubit
Jul 11, 2019
Paul Lombardi
Jun 30, 2019
Crystal Stebbins
Great hike! 3.6mi
Jun 2, 2019
Colby Tunick
Steep but rewarding. 5.1mi — 3h 30m

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