Easy hikes and walks around Davis
4.9
(5)
141
hikers
20
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Davis, CA, offer accessible outdoor experiences within the Central Valley's diverse natural landscapes. The region features a mix of cultivated gardens, urban greenbelts, and riparian areas, providing flat and gentle terrain suitable for all skill levels. These areas are characterized by walking paths along waterways, through arboretums, and connecting neighborhood green spaces. The focus is on accessible, low-elevation routes, making them ideal for leisurely walks.
Best easy hiking trails around Davis
- The most popular easy hiking route is UC Davis Arboretum Trail, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 49 minutes to complete. This route explores the diverse gardens and natural areas of the arboretum, offering serene walks along waterways.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Covell Greenbelt Trail, an easy 2.7 miles (4.4 km) path. This trail provides a pleasant urban nature experience through a well-maintained greenbelt, often completed in about 1 hour 5 minutes.
- Local hikers also love the Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail, a 3.5 miles (5.6 km) trail leading through connecting green spaces and residential areas, often completed in about 1 hour 24 minutes.
- Hiking around Davis is defined by arboretums, greenbelts, and riparian areas. The network offers options for different ability levels, primarily focusing on easy and accessible paths.
- The routes in Davis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 5 reviews. More than 180 hikers have used komoot to explore Davis's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.5
(2)
49
hikers
7.14km
01:49
20m
20m
Embark on an easy hiking experience along the UC Davis Arboretum Trail, a gentle 4.4-mile (7.1 km) route with a minimal elevation gain of just 54 feet (16 metres). You can expect to complete this pleasant walk in about 1 hour and 48 minutes. The trail winds through a living museum, showcasing over 4,000 plant varieties across more than 20 diverse gardens. As you follow the path along the Arboretum Waterway, an old channel of Putah Creek, keep an eye out for local wildlife like birds, ducks, and turtles. You might explore unique sections such as the Peter J. Shields Oak Grove or the T. Elliot Weier Redwood Grove, which offers a miniature redwood forest experience. The mostly paved and flat terrain makes for a comfortable and accessible journey, with continuous visual interest from seasonal blooms.
The UC Davis Arboretum Trail is free and open to the public every day of the year, offering a convenient escape into nature. The paths are mostly paved and flat, making the route highly accessible for a wide range of visitors. If you are driving, parking is readily available near the arboretum. For those using public transport, several options serve the university area, providing easy access to the trailhead. This trail is suitable for a leisurely outing at any time of day.
This trail stands out as a unique educational and recreational resource, functioning as a living museum where you can observe a vast collection of plants. The Arboretum Waterway, a former channel of Putah Creek, forms a central feature, attracting diverse birdlife and aquatic creatures. The constantly evolving landscape ensures that each visit offers new visual discoveries and seasonal highlights. It's a prime example of how a university campus can integrate natural beauty and ecological diversity into its environment.
2
hikers
4.36km
01:06
0m
0m
Hike the easy 2.7-mile Covell Greenbelt Trail in North Davis, California, featuring paved paths, wildlife at Julie Partansky Pond, and uniqu
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5.0
(1)
2
hikers
5.59km
01:25
10m
10m
The Davis-Covell Greenbelt Trail is an easy 3.5-mile hike through paved paths, green spaces, and wildlife habitats in Davis.
1
hikers
2.07km
00:31
0m
0m
Embark on the Putah Creek Outer Loop Trail for an easy 1.3 miles (2.1 km) hike, a perfect quick escape into nature. This gentle route features a minimal 3 feet (1 metre) of elevation gain, making it accessible for nearly everyone and typically taking around 31 minutes to complete. As you follow the path, you'll be immersed in a natural riparian and grassland ecosystem, with the trail winding along the serene Putah Creek. Look for the distinct Valley Oaks and Fremont Cottonwood trees that line the waterfront, creating a peaceful atmosphere for your stroll.
Planning your visit is straightforward, with multiple access points available for the Putah Creek Outer Loop Trail. You can begin your hike from either Pedrick Road/Road 98 or the Hopkins Road (Fire Ring Parking) area, where you'll also find portable toilets. Remember to stay on the north side of Putah Creek, as the south side is private property and not part of the public trail. If you bring your dog, please ensure they remain on a leash at all times to protect the local wildlife and maintain a pleasant experience for all.
This trail is notable for its rich biodiversity within the Putah Creek South Fork Preserve. As you hike, you'll have excellent opportunities for birding and nature observation, with raptors, waterfowl, and rabbits frequently spotted. During warmer months, you might even discover a popular swimming hole along the creek, offering a refreshing stop. The trail provides a unique chance to connect with a thriving natural environment close to urban areas.
17
hikers
4.15km
01:03
10m
10m
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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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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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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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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Frequently Asked Questions
How many easy hiking trails are there in Davis?
There are nearly 20 easy hiking trails around Davis, offering accessible outdoor experiences. In total, komoot lists over 20 routes in the area, catering to various preferences.
What kind of terrain can I expect on easy hikes around Davis?
Easy hikes around Davis are characterized by flat and gentle terrain, primarily along waterways, through arboretums, and connecting greenbelts. These routes are generally low-elevation, making them ideal for leisurely walks and suitable for all skill levels.
Are there any easy loop trails in Davis?
Yes, there are several easy loop trails. For example, the Lake Spafford – Lake Spafford loop from Davis is an easy 3.1-mile (5.1 km) route. Another option is the North Davis Farm Lake loop from Davis Senior High School, which is about 3.3 miles (5.3 km).
What natural features or attractions can I see along easy hiking trails in Davis?
Many easy trails in Davis offer views of local natural features. For instance, the UC Davis Arboretum Trail explores diverse gardens and waterways. You might also encounter highlights like Lake Spafford or the Putah Creek Trail, known for its diverse wildlife.
Can I bring my dog on easy hikes in Davis?
Many greenbelts and arboretum areas in Davis are dog-friendly, though specific rules may vary. It's always best to check local signage or the specific route details for any restrictions, especially regarding leash requirements.
Are the easy hiking trails in Davis suitable for families?
Absolutely. The easy hiking trails around Davis, with their flat and gentle terrain, are very suitable for families. Routes through the UC Davis Arboretum and various greenbelts offer pleasant, accessible walks for all ages.
When is the best time of year to go for an easy hike in Davis?
Davis offers pleasant hiking conditions year-round. Spring and fall provide mild temperatures and vibrant scenery. Even in winter, the low-elevation trails are generally accessible. Summer can be warm, so early mornings or late afternoons are often preferred.
Is parking available at the trailheads for easy hikes?
Yes, most easy hiking trails in Davis, especially those within city limits or at popular parks like the UC Davis Arboretum, have readily available parking. For trails slightly outside the immediate urban area, parking is typically provided at designated access points.
Can I reach easy hiking trails in Davis using public transport?
Many easy trails, particularly those within the city of Davis like the UC Davis Arboretum and various greenbelts, are well-integrated into the city's public transport network, making them accessible without a car.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Davis?
The easy hiking trails in Davis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible, well-maintained paths, the serene atmosphere of the arboretum, and the convenience of urban green spaces for a quick escape into nature.
Are there any lesser-known easy trails or hidden gems in the Davis area?
Beyond the well-known arboretum and greenbelts, the South Putah Riparian Reserve, a short distance from Davis, offers fully connected creek trails in their natural state. While not explicitly listed as an easy komoot route in this guide, it's a hidden gem for observing diverse wildlife in a tranquil setting.
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