The best walks and hikes around Davis
4.9
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223
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Hiking around Davis is characterized by flat, accessible paths through urban greenbelts and public gardens. The city's landscape features numerous parks, ponds, and waterways, including the UC Davis Arboretum. While the immediate area consists of easy, level trails, more varied terrain with greater elevation is accessible in nearby reserves and wildlife areas.
Best hiking trails around Davis
- The most popular hiking route is North Davis Farm Lake loop from Central Davis, a 4.1 miles (6.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 40 minutes to complete. This is an easy route with minimal elevation change, suitable for all skill levels.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Northstar Pond loop from Central Davis, an easy 4.8 miles (7.7 km) path. The trail circles a local pond and is primarily paved or on well-maintained surfaces.
- Local hikers also love the Lake Spafford loop from Davis, a 3.1 miles (5.1 km) trail leading through the UC Davis Arboretum, often completed in about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Hiking around Davis is defined by creekside paths, urban greenways, and trails within public gardens. The network of routes offers many easy hiking trails near Davis for beginners and families.
- The routes in Davis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 230 hikers have used komoot to explore Davis's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
4.5
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60
hikers
7.14km
01:49
20m
20m
The UC Davis Arboretum Trail offers a delightful and easy escape into a vibrant botanical world, perfect for a leisurely stroll. This 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route, with a negligible 54 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a "living museum" of diverse plant collections and natural landscapes. You'll wander past the tranquil Lake Spafford and through the cool, shady T. Elliot Weier Redwood Grove, experiencing a surprising variety of scenery for such a gentle path.
Planning your visit couldn't be simpler; the arboretum is free and open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The trail is largely paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, and dogs are welcome on leash. With an estimated duration of just 1 hour and 48 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a quick, refreshing outing at any time of day.
Beyond its beauty, the arboretum functions as an important educational and research hub for UC Davis, showcasing sustainable horticulture and world-class plant collections. The trail system also connects to the broader Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, offering a glimpse into a managed natural ecosystem. Its accessibility and connection to downtown Davis make it a vital green space for the community, providing a peaceful retreat and a convenient link to local amenities.
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4.36km
01:06
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The Covell Greenbelt Trail offers a delightful and incredibly easy escape into nature, perfect for a relaxed outing. This paved route winds through green spaces and community parks, providing a smooth surface for a leisurely walk. You'll encounter charming bronze dog sculptures along the way, adding a whimsical touch to your journey, and can pause at the Julie Partansky Pond to observe local wildlife from a dedicated boardwalk. It's a truly accessible experience for all.
Planning your visit to this family-friendly trail is straightforward. The route is part of the extensive Davis Greenbelt system, easily accessible within North Davis. With minimal elevation gain and a total distance of 2.7 miles (4.4 km), it's a quick hike that takes just over an hour, making it ideal for a spontaneous outing. The trail is multi-use, so expect to share the path with cyclists and other walkers, fostering a vibrant community feel.
What makes the Covell Greenbelt Trail stand out is its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty. It's a beginner-friendly hike that requires no special gear or fitness, offering a chance to connect with nature right in the city. The presence of playgrounds and bathrooms along the route further enhances its appeal for families, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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5.0
(1)
2
hikers
5.59km
01:25
10m
10m
The Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail provides a delightful escape into nature right within Davis, California. This easy 3.5-mile (5.6 km) loop, with a gentle 25 feet (8 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a mix of paved paths and green spaces. You'll pass by the serene Julie Partansky Pond, a haven for over 50 wildlife species, and discover charming bronze sculptures that add a playful touch to the landscape. Expect a pleasant 1 hour and 24 minutes of walking, perfect for a leisurely outing.
Planning your visit to the Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail is straightforward, as it's easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods. While there isn't a single designated parking lot, street parking is generally available near various access points. The trail is suitable year-round, but for the most comfortable experience, consider hiking during the cooler parts of the day, as some sections are exposed to the sun. Bathrooms are available in certain park areas along the route.
What truly sets the Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail apart is its blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, making it a popular route for families and dog owners. Beyond the wildlife at Julie Partansky Pond, the trail's unique bronze sculptures, including a dog chasing a turkey, offer unexpected artistic diversions. It's a fantastic option for those seeking easy hiking trails with interesting landmarks and a chance to observe local wildlife without venturing far from the city.
16.0km
04:02
20m
20m
The Davis Bike Loop offers a delightful and easy-going hiking experience, perfect for a leisurely day out. This 10.0-mile (16.0 km) route, with a mere 53 feet (16 metres) of elevation gain, guides you through a mix of urban greenbelt, residential areas, and parks, including sections of The Greenbelt and the UC Davis campus. You'll enjoy predominantly flat, paved terrain, making it an accessible and family-friendly option that takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes to complete at a moderate pace.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as no permits or fees are required for this moderate difficulty trail. While accessible year-round, the best time to visit is during spring or fall for mild weather; if you're hiking in summer, consider early mornings or evenings to beat the heat. The loop is well-marked, and parking can be found at various points along the route, making access convenient for a relaxed day of walking.
This trail is a testament to Davis's reputation as the "Bicycle Capital of America," designed for safe and pleasant recreation for walkers, joggers, and cyclists alike. It connects numerous community spaces and is clearly marked on the ground, ensuring easy navigation. The route's gentle nature and integration into the city's fabric make it a unique way to explore Davis, offering a blend of natural and urban scenery without demanding strenuous effort.
30
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4.70km
01:11
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A small farm lake along the trail that can be a nice place to stop and watch the bird life.
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Lake Spafford is a segment of the original channel of Putah Creek, with a trail system that goes around the lake. It’s an artificial lake created as the result of dredging back in the 1870s when the city was still being developed.
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The Davis Bike Loop is an approximately 12-mile long route through The Greenbelt that passes through most of the major pieces of bicycle infrastructure in town. The route was chosen to be safe and pleasant for walking, jogging, and bicycling, and exists for riders of all levels.
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Midsize lake along a former stream in Davis Arboretum. The waterway, built in 1968-69, occupies what used to be the north fork of Putah Creek, which brought floodwater to the town then known as Davisville. A dredging effort in the late 19th century diverted most of the flow to a channel known as the south fork of Putah Creek. In 1948, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built levees at the north fork's mouth (the west end); the levees completely eliminate flow in the north fork. Whereas the original north fork flowed east, the waterway flows west. This is the result of dredging and grading over the years. When the waterway fills up with storm runoff, excess water goes through a weir and into a holding pond and from there is pumped into a pipe that carries the water to the south fork of Putah Creek. The waterway is about 1½ miles long, about 2 to 5 feet deep, along the south edge of UC Davis' central campus. A wide portion of the waterway just east of Mrak Hall is called Lake Spafford, named after F. Edwin Spafford, an alumnus who went on to be come a longtime UC Davis administrator, holding such positions as assistant to the provost; executive assistant and special assistant to the chancellor; and vice chancellor for physical construction and maintenance. The waterway runs from near the south end of D Street in downtown Davis to the UC Davis Equestrian Center. The university classifies the remnant north fork channel as a recreation and aesthetic amenity, and a biological resource. The waterway runs through the arboretum, established in 1936 and considered today to be the university's landscape centerpiece. Pedestrian and bicycle paths line the waterway's banks. The waterway also serves as a storm water detention pond. Poor water quality conditions have persisted since the arboretum waterway was first created more than 50 years ago. In large measure, the problems of today stem from the original design. The arboretum waterway is a stagnant pond designed to look like a flowing creek. https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/arboretum-waterway
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many easy, beginner-friendly hikes in Davis?
Yes, the Davis area is particularly well-suited for beginners and casual walkers. The landscape is predominantly flat, with many accessible trails. Most of the 19 routes in the area are rated as easy. A great example is the Julie Partansky Pond loop from Toomey Field, which is a short, level walk perfect for a quick outing.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around Davis?
Many parks and trails in and around Davis are dog-friendly, but policies can vary. The UC Davis Arboretum, a popular spot for walkers, generally allows leashed dogs on its paths. Always check local signage for specific regulations, especially in wildlife reserves like the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, to ensure you're in a permitted area.
Are there any challenging hikes near Davis?
While Davis itself is flat, more challenging hikes are just a short drive away. For a strenuous workout with rewarding views, head to the Northstar Pond loop from Central Davis. For a truly rugged experience, the Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve offers steep climbs and switchbacks, especially on its popular Blue Ridge Loop Trail, which provides great views of Lake Berryessa.
What are the best hiking options for families with children?
The flat, paved, and well-maintained paths within Davis are ideal for families. The UC Davis Arboretum offers a fantastic experience with its gardens and easy walkways, such as the Lake Spafford loop from Davis. The various greenbelts and parks also provide safe and engaging environments for children to explore.
What do other hikers enjoy about the trails in Davis?
The trails around Davis are well-regarded by the komoot community, earning an average rating of 4.3 stars. Hikers often praise the accessibility of the trails, the peaceful atmosphere of the urban green spaces, and the beautiful scenery within the UC Davis Arboretum.
Where can I go for a good circular walk?
Most of the trails within Davis are designed as loops, making them perfect for a circular walk without needing to retrace your steps. The North Davis Farm Lake loop from Central Davis is a popular choice that takes you around a scenic local lake and through green spaces.
What is hiking in the UC Davis Arboretum like?
Hiking in the UC Davis Arboretum is more like a peaceful walk through a series of beautiful, themed gardens. You'll find over 100 acres of paths winding through collections like a redwood grove and Mediterranean garden. The trails are mostly flat and paved, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing stroll, a family outing, or a gentle run.
Where are the best places to see wildlife near Davis?
The Putah Creek Riparian Reserve and the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area are prime locations for wildlife and birdwatching. Putah Creek provides a habitat for various local animals along its trails. The Yolo Bypass is especially spectacular during winter and spring migrations, when it hosts tens of thousands of waterfowl and shorebirds.
How do the trails at Putah Creek and Cache Creek compare?
Putah Creek State Wildlife Area generally offers trails that are popular for their accessibility and opportunities for nature viewing along the creek. Cache Creek Regional Park, to the west of Davis, provides a more rugged experience with a wider range of difficulty, from easy creekside strolls to more strenuous routes through its diverse ecosystem.
Are the hiking trails in Davis free to access?
Yes, the vast majority of hiking trails within the city of Davis, including the greenbelts and the UC Davis Arboretum, are free to access. Some regional parks or reserves outside the city, like Stebbins Cold Canyon, may have parking fees or require reservations, so it's always a good idea to check their official websites before you go.
What is the best time of year for hiking in the Davis area?
Spring is a fantastic time to hike around Davis, as the weather is pleasant and the surrounding hills and reserves often feature beautiful wildflower displays. Autumn also offers comfortable temperatures for hiking. Summers can be very hot, so if you hike then, it's best to go early in the morning and bring plenty of water.
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