01
Best easy walk
UC Davis Arboretum Trail
Uc Davis Campus East Of Dixon • Shaded Campus Arboretum Loop • Easy Everyday Walk
A flat, well-kept path along Putah Creek with gardens, shade, and quick access from Dixon.
Park near the UC Davis campus and hop onto the paved and dirt paths that follow the water for several miles. It’s ideal for a relaxed evening walk, stroller-friendly, and a good choice on hot days thanks to the tree cover. Benches, plant collections, and occasional campus events make it feel more like a park than a wilderness trail.
02
Best creekside escape
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Along Putah Creek West Of Davis • Creekside Wildlife Corridor • Birdwatcher’S Pick
Natural dirt paths trace Putah Creek through cottonwoods and willows with plenty of wildlife and quiet corners.
Access the reserve from several pullouts along the creek and choose shorter out-and-back strolls or link segments for a longer hike. The mix of riffles, shaded pools, and open gravel bars makes it a year-round favorite for spotting herons, raptors, and songbirds. In summer, many locals pair a walk with a picnic or quick splash along the shore where it’s safe to do so.
03
Best close foothill workout
Lagoon Valley Park & Peña Adobe
Vacaville Foothills Southwest Of Dixon • Lakefront And Foothill Trail Network • Best Half-Day Outing
Rolling trails circle the reservoir and climb into low hills for valley views and a solid but accessible workout.
From the main parking area you can stay low on the mellow path around the lake or head up steeper singletrack toward the ridgeline. The open grassy slopes, scattered oaks, and big sky feel much wilder than the short drive from Dixon suggests. It’s a versatile spot whether you’re walking the dog, training for bigger hikes, or showing visitors a classic Solano County landscape.
04
Best laid-back nature walk
Lake Solano County Park
Near Winters Along Putah Creek • Oak Woodland Shoreline Paths • Laid-Back Family Spot
Short riverside trails, picnic areas, and campsites make this an easygoing place to stretch your legs by the water.
The park’s paths weave between valley oaks and along the calm backwaters of Putah Creek, with frequent sightings of ducks, geese, and even peacocks near the campground. Elevation gain is minimal, so it’s friendly for mixed-ability groups or a low-key recovery walk. Many people combine a stroll here with a stop in downtown Winters for coffee or dinner.
05
Best rugged adventure
Rockville Hills Regional Park
Rocky Open Space Near Fairfield • Rocky Hill And Oak Woodland Preserve • Leg-Burner With Views
A maze of rocky singletrack winds through lava outcrops and small ponds, offering steeper climbs and bigger vistas than most nearby hikes.
Trails here range from narrow, technical paths over volcanic rock to smoother routes through grasslands and blue oaks, so it pays to grab a map at the kiosk and plan a loop. On clear days, high points in the park serve up wide views toward Suisun Bay and the Coast Range. It’s a go-to choice when you want something more rugged than a flat creekside walk without driving all the way to Napa or the Sierra.