6 Must do Hikes

Vacaville, CA Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous Although there are no officially-marked trails, the open space areas in the Browns Valley hills are a favorite spot for local hikers. Steep slopes give way to spectacular sweeping views of Vacaville, and it’s a great place to explore with furry friends. Bonus points if you visit the Instagram-worthy tree swing! There are a few different entry spots- take Browns Valley parkway, left on Wrentham Drive, left on Rambleton Drive, and look for an entry way to walk up into the hills.

SKYLINE WILDERNESS PARK

2201 Imola Ave, Napa Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous The Sugarloaf Mountain trail in Skyline Wilderness Park is definitely one of those Napa hikes worthy of your attention. The trail leads you through grasslands and chaparral, winding uphill through oak forest and ultimately providing great views from the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. Reaching the summit involves a challenging, but short, section of steep trail which takes careful negotiation and is not great for little hikers, but that just makes reaching the summit more rewarding. The trailhead is accessible from inside the RV park at the end of Imola Avenue. A day-use fee is charged per vehicle, at which time you can pick up a copy of the park map. Adequate parking is available.

COLD CANYON- PUTAH CREEK STATE WILDLIFE AREA

2201 Imola Ave, Napa State Highway 128, 7 miles west of the town of Winters Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous The Cold Canyon Reserve is part of the University of California Natural Reserve System and one of the few UC Reserve areas open for public use. It is located within the Putah Creek State Wildlife Area, where trails range from moderately easy to strenuously difficult. The Stebbins Cold Canyon Loop trail is a 5 mile loop that takes you up to the rim of the mountains surrounding Lake Berryessa. On a clear day you can even see all the way to the Sacramento skyline from the top of the trail. Although there are other less strenuous trails that are dog and kid friendly within the Putah Creek Wildlife Area, the Cold Canyon Loop has steep stairs and some rocky areas to navigate through, so it is not great for little ones or pets. Plan for about 2.5 hours to complete the hike. A day-use fee is requested.