Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

The UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, set in a steep canyon of the northern California Coast Range, showcases the impressive landscapes, human history, and plant and animal communities of the region. The reserve has a mix of undisturbed habitats, including grasslands, blue oak woodland, chaparral shrublands, riparian woodland, and a seasonal stream.

The reserve is open year-round to hikers, from sunrise to sunset. An entrance donation of $2.00 per visitor is requested at the informational kiosk near the reserve entrance. Stebbins Cold Canyon is located about 15 minutes west of Winters, California. See links above for driving directions and trail maps. Please take a look at potential hazards and reserve policies on the hiking page before heading out.

Researchers and instructors are welcomed! Before working on or bringing a class group to the reserve, please fill out a use application. In most cases, your application will be processed within one business day.

New dates and activities now on the calendar

Saturday morning activities (student and staff led, RSVP requested). Sign up today for a UC Davis student-led activity - now you can choose your pace! Canyon hikes are ~2 miles round-trip and follow a relatively gentle slope along the canyon floor, leading to a shady rest spot near the old homestead site. Canyon walks are suitable for all ages. Blue Ridge overlook hikes are ~3 miles roundtrip, and involve an elevation gain of >1200 feet; spectacular views of the Coast Range mountains and Lake Berryessa await! During both hikes, you'll learn about the natural and human history of the reserve and get to know our student leaders. We also have a kid-centered family day on the calendar - more details to come. Reservations for this season's outings can now be made by email. Please include the date and activity you would like to attend and the number of individuals in your party.

May 12 Canyon nature hike (easy)

May 19 Canyon nature hike (easy)

May 19 Blue Ridge overlook guided hike (strenuous)

May 26 Canyon nature hike (easy)

May 26 Cold Canyon Kids Club day (for families with kids ~K-4th grade)

June 2 Canyon nature hike (easy)

June 2 Blue Ridge overlook guided hike (strenuous)

Friday morning natural history walks - every week (staff and student led, no need to RSVP- just check this website for any last-minute schedule changes). Join us for an informal walk in the canyon at 10:00 a.m. every Friday. Meet just inside the gate on Highway 128. Email for more information, and watch this website for updates to the schedule.

About the Natural Reserve System

The mission of the University of California Natural Reserve System (NRS) is to contribute to the understanding and wise management of the Earth and its natural systems by supporting university-level teaching, research, and public service at protected natural areas throughout California. In 1965, the University of California began creating a network of protected sites that would represent California’s rich ecological diversity.

These outdoor classrooms and laboratories make long-term studies of California’s natural environment possible. Most NRS reserves are closed to the public to protect research projects from disturbance – Stebbins Cold Canyon is a rare exception where research, teaching and public access coexist. The NRS is the largest university-operated system of natural reserves in the world. The NRS reserves are used by students, teachers, and researchers from the University of California, and from educational institutions around the world. Help us protect the educational mission of this site by respecting all signs of research activity (flagging, plots, marked plants, insect traps, etc.) that you may see along the trails.