3.7
(3)
375
runners
20
runs
Jogging around Université de Californie à Davis offers a network of mostly flat running paths, ideal for various fitness levels. The region is characterized by campus grounds, local parks, and waterside trails along features like Lake Spafford and Putah Creek. Elevation changes are minimal, providing accessible running experiences across the area.
Last updated: May 5, 2026
25
runners
3.82km
00:24
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
runners
5.82km
00:37
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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12
runners
11.9km
01:14
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
runners
22.9km
02:22
20m
20m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
8.91km
00:55
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Université de Californie à Davis
This wooden cabin was built by two Boy Scout troops in 1927, with help from the Davis Rotary Club, which donated quite a few supplies for the construction. For two years in the 1950s the cabin served as a nursery school, and in 2000 the Boy Scouts vacated the cabin after ongoing disputes traced back to discriminatory practices.
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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 historic pioneer cabin at the entrance to town was built by members of the Davis Rotary Club for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. Telephone pole cedar logs were donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co, the other supplies by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin
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Telephone pole cedar logs donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. were used by members of the Davis Rotary Club to build this cabin for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. The other supplies were donated by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin
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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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Performing arts center of the University of California Davis
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There are 18 dedicated running routes around Université de Californie à Davis listed on komoot, offering a variety of experiences for all fitness levels.
The running routes in this area are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 out of 5 stars from over 5 reviews. Runners often praise the accessible, mostly flat paths and the pleasant campus and waterside environments.
Yes, there are 4 easy running routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed jog. An excellent option is the Mondavi Center UC Davis loop from Davis, which is an easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) trail winding through the university campus.
Absolutely. For those seeking a longer run, the Lake Spafford – Putah Creek Trail loop from Davis offers a moderate 7.4-mile (11.9 km) path through waterside landscapes. Another good option is the North Davis Farm Lake loop from Davis, which is 6.5 miles (10.4 km).
Many of the running routes around UC Davis are designed as loops, providing a convenient circular experience. Examples include the popular Running loop from Davis and the scenic Lake Spafford – Putah Creek Trail loop from Davis.
The region around Université de Californie à Davis is characterized by mostly flat running paths with minimal elevation changes. This makes it ideal for accessible running experiences across campus grounds, local parks, and waterside trails.
Yes, several routes offer scenic views and pass by interesting landmarks. For instance, the Lake Spafford – Putah Creek Trail loop from Davis takes you along Lake Spafford and the Putah Creek Trail. You might also encounter the Stevenson Bridge or the US Bicycling Hall of Fame on some campus-adjacent routes.
Given the mostly flat terrain and well-maintained paths, many of the running routes around UC Davis are suitable for families and those with strollers. The campus and park environments provide a safe and accessible setting for a family jog or walk.
Many of the public parks and trails in Davis, including those around UC Davis, are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Always check local signage for specific regulations on individual trails or park areas.
Spring and fall generally offer the most pleasant running conditions in Davis, with mild temperatures. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late evening runs are recommended. Winters are typically mild, making year-round running feasible, though occasional rain may occur.
Parking is available at various points around the UC Davis campus and adjacent public areas. Depending on your chosen route, you can often find parking lots or street parking. Be sure to check for any parking fees or time restrictions, especially on campus.
Yes, especially on routes that follow waterside trails like the Putah Creek or pass through natural areas. You might spot various bird species, squirrels, and other small wildlife, particularly during quieter times of the day.
The terrain is predominantly flat and consists of paved paths, well-maintained gravel trails, and some dirt paths, particularly along waterside sections. This variety offers a comfortable running surface suitable for most road running shoes.


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