Hike the Homestead-Blue Ridge Loop
Winters, California
Description
Added by Xavier Salgado
Ridge views. Beautiful wildflowers. Elevation gain 1,635'5.1 mile loop hike. Accessible year round. Well-maintained.
From the official trailhead, start off by taking the Homestead Trail, which forks towards the right. A trail connecting Homestead and Blue Ridge will take you to a creek nearby. Veer off the trail along the creek and there is a water hole for cooling off on hot days. Onward into the trail, you will start to walk through dense forest that offers a lot of shade. Blue Ridge is reached at a trail junction approximately 0.65 miles from the beginning of the Homestead Trail. Stay to the right to follow the Blue Ridge Trail to the northwest. The trail winds steeply towards the top of the Peak with wooden stairways and tall brush along the way. Trail markers are placed throughout the entire trail making it easy to stay on track.
The stunning views from the top are of lake Berryessa and surrounding mountains. After walking for about a mile along the ridge line, you'll start to descend, making your way back to the starting point of Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve. The entire hike loops around for approximately 5.1 miles.
There is free parking across the road and downhill from the trailhead. The trail is free with a suggested $2.00 donation and sign-in log book. Dogs are not permitted within the canyon, but they can be taken on the first 3 miles going up the ridge way. There is a portable restroom conveniently located at the start/end of the trail.
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Reviews
A nice hike just outside Winters, CA. It has a beautiful view of Lake Berryessa and is the perfect length for a nice afternoon (or morning) hike. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water because the top ridge is quite exposed and can be hot in the sun. Finish it off with a beer at the microbrewery Berryessa Brewing afterwards!
5.0
We come here most every mothers day, the past 10 years. Perfect for any age as it can be slow or a challenge. Also a great local trail run with mild technicality and elevation so doable for any level trail runner. May is the best! Heat is low, snakes not out yet, wildflowers galore and great views.
5.0
Beautiful view of the lake and really well kept trail. Went with a friend after a few days of rain and there were a bit of muddy parts but other then that it was stunning.
5.0
The trail is now open again from the fire last July. It is impressive how fast everything is coming back to life!
5.0
This is a beautiful trail, quite popular. Unfortunately due to fire the trails are closed
5.0
I'm from Vacaville, which is a very short distance to Lake Berryessa. I like to think of it as my backyard, I've been coming here since I was young and the reward of reaching the peak of the trail is amazing. Several spots along the peak to stop and soak in the amazing views and have a snack. Great view of the lake and the best part is during summertime once you've finished the hike you can take a dip in the lake, perfect reward.
5.0
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