Swinging in the Clouds

If you prefer to explore the trails on two wheels rather than your own two feet, the park is also one of the premier mountain biking destinations in Solano County. A good place to start is with the 7.5-mile trail that you’ll find on the left as soon as you enter the park. Continue on past the wooden bridge and follow the trail to the tree line before ascending 1,181 feet in elevation on this thrilling loop.

Lagoon Valley is one of the most dog-friendly places around. In addition to the walking trails, you’ll also find a 30,000-square-foot off-leash fenced-in dog park for your four-legged family members to run free. Horseback riding is also allowed at the park, so keep an eye out for equestrian users on the trails. There’s also a 27-basket disc golf course in the park, and the Lagoon Valley Disc Golf Club meets at the course weekly. Anyone can join them, and they’ve put in a lot of work to improve the course over the last year.

Last, but not least, go for a paddle around the lake. It’s not very deep (it’s around six feet) and is not stocked with fish, but it makes for a peaceful day on a paddle board or kayak.

SECRETS OF THE PARK With its rolling hills, dramatic skies, and surprisingly charming landscape, Lagoon Valley Park has tons of scenic viewpoints and quiet spots just waiting to be discovered. Early morning is a great time to explore the park, although it is rarely crowded during any time of the day. Early in the day, you’ll be treated to dewy views, cool mists, and lovely golden light casting over the hills. In the afternoon and evening, however, there are some incredible places to watch the sunsets, especially if the sky is in the process of clearing from a recent storm.

One of the best places to catch a sunset is the picturesque wooden swing that is well-loved by professional and amateur photographers alike. It’s located at the top of one of the peaks along the 7.5-mile mountain biking and hiking trail mentioned above. It’s somewhat hard to find, but you can follow the directions on page to find it, and the view from the top is worth the effort, whether you file it away as a mental image or add it to your Instagram feed.

ENTRANCE FEE AND DIRECTIONS One of the best parts about Lagoon Valley Park is that it is so easy to access. Located right off I-80, it’s the perfect place to break up your daily commute or get out of the city on a weekend. Take exit 51B off I-80 onto Pena Adobe Road. The park’s entrance is just off the freeway and very obvious. As of the winter of 2021, the fee is $5 to park your car each time you pull into the park, although $50 annual passes are also available for purchase ahead of time.

Written by RootsRated for Visit Vacaville

MORE PARKS AND REC

TENNIS COURTS

Alamo Creek Park 2 Tennis Courts - Corner of Buck Ave and Alamo Dr Cannon Station Park 1 Tennis Court - Ruby Dr and Opal Way Hawkins Park 2 Tennis Courts - Summerfield Dr and Newport Cir North Orchard Park 4 Tennis Courts - 805 North Orchard Ave Three Oaks Community Center 4 Lighted Tennis Courts - Alamo Dr and Marshall Rd

bike paths

Alamo Creek Bikeway - 4.6 Miles Runs along Alamo Creek Southside Bikeway - 1.25 miles Al Patch Park on California Drive Dog Park Playground Walking/Jogging Path Restrooms Picnic Area BBQs

community parks

Al Patch Park - California Dr and Peabody Rd Andrews Park - Main St and Davis St Arlington Park - Foxboro Pkwy and Peabody Rd Centennial Park - Browns Valley Rd Keating Park - Corner of California Dr and Alamo Ln Nelson Park - Nut Tree and Marshall Rd Three Oaks Park - Along Ulatis Creek

creekwalk

From Main Street, walk a few steps into Andrews Park and you’ll find a lovely natural respite in the form of a quiet path snaking along the Putah Creek. The Creekwalk is easy to find: the blue wave painted on our downtown street will take you straight to the water, and you’ll feel as though you are the first to discover our little natural treasure in the heart of the city.

DISCOVER VACAVILLE’S TREE SWINGS ALONGSIDE FOUR OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL ADVENTURERS AS THEY SHARE HIKING DIRECTIONS, TRAIL TIPS, AND HELPFUL INFO TO GET YOU TO THE TOP AND READY TO SWING!

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.”

@asmithpics

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.” @mike.mayhen