Homestead & Blue Ridge Loop

At the bend in the road on Highway 128, you will pass two silver gates. The gate with the UC Davis logo is the entrance to the trailhead. Past the entrance there is a large dirt pullout off the road with plenty of parking.

Starting at the trailhead, go left in the fork to start the loop trail. The first mile is fairly easy and brings you to the Old Homestead. After this, the hike becomes a lot steeper and more strenuous. Eventually you will reach the top of the canyon and continue along the ridge for a few miles until you reach the Spillway Overlook - a rock outcropping along the trail. This outcropping gives you a bird's eye view of Monticello Dam, Lake Berryessa, and Putah Creek. When the Spillway is overflowing at the dam, it looks like there is a giant hole in the lake! You can usually see this at the end of winter - assuming we aren't in a drought.

Be very careful along the ridge portion of the hike. It can be easy to get off trail. There are a lot of rocks and boulders along the trail, and sometimes it looks like the trail just stops. When this happens, just keep walking straight over the rocks - don't take any side trails. There are a lot of steep, sketchy, side trails that dead end at the back side of the canyon.

If you don't want to do the entire hike and just want to check out the lake overlook, go right in the fork at the trailhead to do the loop trail in reverse. It is only a half-mile to get to the vista point, but it is VERY steep (elevation gain this way is about 1000 feet).

No dogs are allowed on the Homestead portion of the trail, but the ridge trails are on-leash appropriate. So if you are hiking with your dog, definitely do the loop backwards.

Warnings:

• Wear long pants to avoid the poison oak and deer ticks along the trail.
• Watch your step. Rattlesnakes are common in rocky areas of the reserve.
• Though rarely seen, mountain lions do live in the area.

Pro Tip: If hiking Friday through Sunday, stop by Berryessa Brewing Company after your hike and relax with a cold beer, giant Jenga, bocce ball, and live music! There is a winery next door if wine tasting is more your thing.