Route: UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve - Blue Ridge-Homestead Loop

This is a beautiful route in the Pacific Coastal Range of California that is extremely popular locally and is in a reserve managed by the University of California, Davis. After a brief flat start there is a steep climb with switchbacks up the majority of the almost 1500 ft elevation gain to the ridge where there are excellent views of California's Sacramento Valley on one side, and Lake Berryessa and the Pacific Coastal Range on the other. The trail travels along the ridge with occasional rock scrambling as it goes up and down over small crests in the ridge. This ridge provides a sense of 'sky running' that is often not this accessible particularly at lower elevations. At the end of the ridge the trail travels steeply down in switchbacks and then returns to the start along a predominantly downhill or flat section that runs along the Cold Canyon Creek. Due to the changes in elevation and exposure the route boasts multiple ecological zones with a variety of interesting native flora and fauna that changes seasonally.

The trail is predominantly single track packed dirt with rocks or rocky along the ridge. The start and end point for this submitted route is technically at the Homestead trailhead on the north side of the curve in route CA-128. This avoids complications with the tunnel and water levels under CA-128 from the parking lot. To follow this route take a right after approximately 600-800ft, go across the creek at the split in the trail to ascend the switchbacks. At the junction in the trail on the far end of the ridge be sure to continue downhill and back through the loop instead of to Annie's trail. 

*Note: There are two creek crossings - 1 out and 1 back that could be unsafe during the rainy winter season, but are typically easy during the rest of the year (it is often completely dry during late summer/early fall). This route could be run in reverse, but the distribution of elevation gain is somewhat different making them unequal comparisons. 

Website links to this route and the Preserve below:

https://naturalreserves.ucdavis.edu/stebbins-cold-canyon/hiking

https://ucnrs.org/reserves/stebbins-cold-canyon-reserve/

https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/california/stebbins-cold-canyon-reserve/photos

https://www.trailrunproject.com/trail/7003896/stebbins-cold-canyon-loop

https://www.hikingshenandoah.com/2022/02/stebbins-cold-canyon-blue-ridge-loop.html