Winters.

7.2-loop.

Hard; heavily trafficked.

With 2,427 feet of elevation gain, this hike will get the blood (and sweat) flowing; trekking poles are recommended. If you feel up for some added difficulty, add Annie’s Loop at the junction. Expect high temps and sun exposure, and dress appropriately for the weather, trail overgrowth, and poison oak. Bring plenty of water, wear shoes with traction, and leave no trace.

Beautiful views of Lake Berryessa, wildflowers, and water crossings keep the adventure level high, while the terrain provides a solid workout; the view is well worth the effort! 

As one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, there’s an enormous amount of plant diversity in our state, all of which has adapted to survive in the vast expanses of sweltering deserts, high mountains, coastal environments, and the rolling hills California is known for.

 

Because of these changing conditions and high temperatures, many species have evolved to produce extravagant seasonal blooms, leaving seeds for the next generation to wait out the hot and dry summers before bursting to life once again come spring.

While out on the trail, take note of how many flowers you can see (there are nearly 20 species near Lake Berryessa). Be mindful that the ecosystems are fragile, so stay on the trail, only take pictures, and help preserve the beauty for generations to come.