THE LAGOON VALLEY SWING

LOCAL EXPERT: ANGIE SMITH

“It’s the simple things in life that often make us smile the most. The tree swing at Peña Adobe Park is definitely on the list for sure. I discovered this hidden gem a few years ago while hiking on one of the many trails throughout the park.

DIRECTIONS:

Enter the park off I-80 in Vacaville. As you enter, follow the signs to the dog park. As you pass the dog park you will want to head up the gravel fire road, continuing through the gate up the hill till you come to where it turns and levels off a bit. At the turn, there will be a trail on the left-hand side going the opposite direction of the road. Take that to the large oak tree where the swing is located.

ADVICE:

I would rate this as a moderate hike due to the fact that it is a gradual uphill climb. A shoe with good tread is recommended since the terrain is gravel and dirt trail. The conditions will vary depending on the weather. This is not a shaded hike so don’t forget the sunscreen and some water. It should take about 20 minutes to reach the site where you can take in the view while swinging under the canopy of one of the oak trees in this amazing place.”

LOCAL EXPERT: MIKE MORA

DIRECTIONS:

“The first time I encountered the tree with the swing on top of the hill was actually a happy accident. I parked at the Peña Adobe parking by the lake and took the gravel road up to the radio tower in the distance. Before arriving at the tower I took a left onto another trail when I saw the tree. When I arrived at the tree with the swing it did not disappoint, the view was majestic and I could not wait to bring my friends one day to what I had discovered. Sure enough, my friends and their kids loved it, the kids could not get enough of the swing.

ADVICE:

My advice is to arrive early to get some swings in as the sun rises, or sunset is also a sight to behold. Remember to take some hiking shoes or boots as prickly bushes are commonplace in summer. Overall, it is my favorite landmark of Vacaville and a great place to share with a loved one.”

@asmithpics @mike.mayhen

EXPERT: SANDRA ROSA - BELLA FORMA JEWELRY

“Sometimes there are a few special spots in your town that you just love to visit over and over and it never gets old. This lush lonely tree with the yellow wooden swing is special. I’ve nicknamed it Swing Tree Hill as it’s one of my break spots during my hill runs at the Lagoon, it reminds me of simple times and simple pleasures and I always feel like a kid again soaring into the sky.

DIRECTIONS:

Located in Lagoon Valley Park, once you pass the gate shack, follow the road in and park in the large parking lot on the right after the dog park. If you see a green park bench memorializing my dear friend Mike aka “Papa Mitt”, you are in the right place. Across the road you will see a large openspaced, tree-lined path leading up the hills, this is where the path starts. Just pass through the heavy metal gate. You will hike approximately 3/4 of a mile, and due to the moderate incline, it should take you about 20 minutes. The path is clear most days unless you encounter a cluster of cows. It is their territory so you will likely see them elsewhere if not on the path. The trail is kid and dog-friendly, but please keep your dog leashed at all times. You will be making a left off the trail when you see a wide opening and barbed wire fencing running all the way up the hillside. Once you make this left off the main trail, you will see a sign that directs you to Spreading Oak Spur. Keep going and the giant tree should be in sight. Enjoy the views and the shady refuge, and turn the yellow swing over to discover a special message written underneath.

ADVICE:

My recommendation is to avoid going in the middle of the day during the summer as the temperatures get really hot and the path is not shaded at all. It is a dusty trail and very likely your footwear will get dirty. Bring water, stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Going before noon or after 6pm are the best times. If you are visiting between December and April it could be very muddy if we’ve had a lot of rain, but generally, the ground is very dry and kids may want to wear long pants as the low brush near the tree may scratch their legs.”