Hiking at Lake Berryessa
From the water:
- Pope to Putah - Take your speedboat or canoe or kayak 4 or 5 miles up the Putah Creek Arm at the northwest end of Lake Berryessa. The trailhead is marked with blue and white flagging tape on the trees onshore. It heads up the ridge on the west side providing breathtaking views.
- Cedar Roughs - Paddle about 2 miles or 1 hour up Pope Creek Canyon from the Pope Creek Bridge Launch. From there you will find the Cedar Roughs Boat-In Access Trail quite evident. Follow it for 1 mile as it snakes through the wooded countryside and eventually reveals a serene meadow.
- Monticello Overlook - Launch a small boat at Markley Cove and paddle for about 2 miles or 1 hour across the Narrows until you reach the beginning of an old road. It’s about a 2 mile hike with an incline as it reaches towards an impressive view of Monticello Dam.
In the area:
- North End Trail - The trail can be reached at various parking areas along the north shore of Lake Berryessa. It can be hiked for over 3 miles, with several picnic areas to stop and relax and enjoy the water and views. Some starting points could be: Putah Creek or La Pointe or Schoolhouse cove.
- Pope Canyon Trail - 1.5 mile trail along the old Pope Canyon roadbed and on into the lake. To reach the trailhead: drive west on the Pope Canyon Road for 2.1 miles from where it meets Knoxville Road.
- Stebbins Cold Canyon Trail - A somewhat steep 4 mile loop trail including views from Blue Ridge and the Spillway Overlook and also Old Homestead. The hike can be done in portions as well, if perhaps time is limited or one of the locations is more appealing. The trailhead is reached as if you are driving to the lake, you’ll be on Highway 121 and it will turn into Highway 128. Follow that beyond the Monticello Dam. You will approach two silver gates on your right, the second one bearing a UC Davis logo is the one you will enter. Just through the gate is a dirt pullout for parking and there is a board there with a map and brochure of the trail options.
