Author: Rob

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

Basics: This moderately strenuous 5-mile loop begins in Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve (a UC Davis Nature Reserve) and climbs up onto an adjacent BLM trail with impressive views of Lake Berryessa. All of this is part of Putah Creek State Wildlife Area comprised of 670 acres of varied terrain just downstream of the Monticello dam, where Cold Creek enters Putah Creek. This is a great year-round hike, but it can be a little brutal in the summer heat. This hike is extremely popular – especially with college students – so if you are looking for solitude, get there early.

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Blue Ridge – Fiske Peak Loop Trail

Basics: This 17+ mile loop on BLM land travels along Blue Ridge, then descends and winds through Fiske Creek’s riparian canyon. This trail would be difficult on a hot summer day, but it is a great winter hike with expansive views. Continue reading “Blue Ridge – Fiske Peak Loop Trail”

Mount Judah at Sugar Bowl

Basics: If you have been to Sugar Bowl Ski Resort, you may have already been to the top of Mt. Judah – the Summit Chair above Mt. Judah Express takes you nearly to the top. Unfortunately this isn’t Switzerland, and they don’t run the chairs year-round, so if you want to get to the top in early June when there’s crazy amounts of snow still on the mountain, you’ve got to get up there yourself. The route we took was about 4 miles round trip, with about 1200 feet of elevation gain – sounds easy but walking side-slope on snow at elevation adds some difficulty. Continue reading “Mount Judah at Sugar Bowl”

Mount Saint Helena

This is a hike to the highest peak (4339 ft) in Sonoma County, though it’s only about 1500 ft or so away from the Napa County line. The hike is 10.2 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain for around 2300 ft.

In honor of Robert Louis Stevenson’s 160th birthday today, we are proud to present the first post ever on our blog.  This trail is located in Stevenson’s own California State Park, where he lived in a cabin and wrote The Silverado Squatters.

Summary: This is a hike to the highest peak (4339 ft) in Sonoma County, though it’s only about 1500 ft or so away from the Napa County line.  This trail follows a gently graded fire road, so in cool weather it’s fairly easy despite the distance.  The hike is 10.2 miles roundtrip, with an elevation gain for around 2300 ft.  Parking is free on the side of the road.

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