THE BROWNS VALLEY SWING LOCAL EXPERT: TRAVIS WILLIAMS
@bellaforma_jewelry LOCAL 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.”
Do you know what I think is the best part of swinging? It’s that fraction of a second when you reach the top of your upswing, just before you come back to earth. It’s that moment of stillness where you can see your world from a slightly different perspective, and if you go high enough, get that tiny bit of weightlessness. You’re already treated to beautiful views of Vacaville from the hike you need to take to get here, but this swing can get you a little more up and over the city with Rio Vista’s windmills in the background. It might seem a little scary at first because of the downhill descent the ground takes in front of the swing but it adds so much to the feeling of being in the air that it’s easy to get over. With all that being said, this is one swing you need to try. DIRECTIONS: Most people use Wrenthram Drive to get there, then park along Vaca Valley Pkwy. You’ll be at the trailhead of the Browns Valley Hillcrest Boulder Loop (shout out to all my rock climbing friends!). Take the smaller dirt trail through the public fence and turn right. All that’s left is to follow the trail until you get to the swing. ADVICE: This is a moderately challenging hike (about 1 mile and quickly elevating) on an unpaved trail where farmers graze the namesake of the city: cows! (the town was actually named for founder Manuel Vaca, the word vaca means cow in Spanish, which makes “cowtown” a pretty irresistible nickname) So, I recommend hiking shoes and clothes and watch out for cow patties. Once you get there you’ll have access to a picnic table and a bench supplied by the Boy Scouts. For those that like to rock climb, continue up the path a little farther for some pretty epic boulders to climb.
@travis_makes_images VISITVACAVILLE.COM
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