UC Davis Natural Reserve System
Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

UC Davis NRS Reserves

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Hiking at Stebbins Cold Canyon

How did those steps get there? Find out more about the trails here.

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is open for hiking year-round, every day, from sunrise to sunset. Before you go, look through this website for information on the reserves natural history.  Print out a copy of the topographic map to guide you as you hike.  A downloadable version in Adobe Acrobat will soon be available.  In addition, a guided tour of Cold Canyon written by Dr. Peter Moyle for his Wildlife Conservation course will help you enjoy Cold Canyon's sights as you hike on the trail.

Location.  Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is a 45 minute drive west of Davis and a 2 hour drive northeast of San Francisco. From Davis, take Covell Blvd./E6 to Winters. In Winters, take Hwy 128 towards Lake Berryessa. A silver fire gate will be obvious 0.2 miles past the point where Hwy 128 crosses Putah Creek.  This is the main entrance to the reserve. Parking is located directly across from the entrance.

Reserve Rules.  To keep the reserve as beautiful and as wild as you find it, please follow some simple rules when you hike in Cold Canyon.  

1) Please sign in on the register located at the reserve entrance. Knowing how many people use the reserve, and for what purpose, is crucial for proper reserve management.  

2) Because Cold Canyon is a reserve, plants, animals, and other organisms on the reserve should be collected only for scientific research, by permission of natural reserve management staff. Contact Virginia Boucher, reserve manager, for permission to collect organisms for research.  

3) Likewise, please do not disturb areas where research or management activities are occurring. These areas will be indicated by colored tape and flags, or by signs. Please follow the directions of any signs restricting  access to trails that are hazardous or whose use is causing hillside erosion. 

4) Minimize signs of your presence. Please pack out anything you bring in with you, especially trash. If you see trash left by other people, please pack that out as well. 

5) Bikes, dogs, and guns are not allowed on the reserve. 

Potential Hazards of Cold Canyon.  Cold Canyon is a lovely spot but it has its hazards. The trail has become quite rough and steep in places as a result of landslides, and creek crossings contain slippery rocks. Watch your step! In the summer, and even in the spring, Cold Canyon can get quite warm, so the best time to hike is during the cooler morning. If you plan to hike later in the day, bring a hat and water to prevent heat exhaustion during hiking.  

Three species of vertebrates living on the reserve are potentially dangerous. Mountain lions, black bears, and rattlesnakes are present, although your probability of encountering these species is remote. With the possible exception of mountain lions, most animals will be more scared of you, and will not be a threat as long as you respect the animals space. Black bears will most likely flee as soon as you encounter them. Rattlesnakes will usually warn you with the "buzz" of their rattle. Because mountain lions can be more dangerous than bears and snakes, always travel with a partner, and keep any children you bring with you in your sight. In the very rare case that you encounter a moutain lion, act threatening: stand your ground, make noise, stand tall, and if necessary, throw sticks or rocks. 

Poison-oak is present everywhere, including right along the trail in many places. In addition, deer ticks are present. Deer ticks are potential carriers of Lyme disease, and the best way to not be exposed to the disease is to avoid being bitten by the ticks. Wear long pants to avoid both poison oak and deer ticks. Insect repellent sprayed on your shoes, socks, and pants will further reduce your likelihood of picking up ticks.  

Last Updated 03/09/06