Easy hikes and walks around Dixon
4.8
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113
hikers
9
hikes
Easy hiking trails near Dixon CA are characterized by gently rolling topography and significant natural preserves, offering accessible outdoor experiences. The region features diverse riparian habitats along waterways like Putah Creek and flat lakeside paths. Hikers can explore unique ecosystems such as vernal pools and native bunchgrass prairies, providing opportunities for nature observation.
Best easy hiking trails around Dixon
- The most popular easy hiking route is UC Davis Arboretum Trail, a 4.4 miles (7.1 km) trail that takes 1 hour 48 minutes to complete. This route offers a pleasant walk through varied plant collections.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Valley Glen Drainage Pond, an easy 1.8 miles (2.9 km) path. This loop trail is suitable for walking and birding, providing habitat for various waterfowl and raptors.
- Local hikers also love the Lake Spafford – Lake Spafford loop from UC Davis Health Stadium, a 3.7 miles (5.9 km) trail leading through open areas around the lake, often completed in about 1 hour 31 minutes.
- Hiking around Dixon is defined by flat lakeside paths, riparian corridors, and open prairie landscapes. The network offers options for different ability levels, primarily focusing on easy and accessible routes.
- The routes in Dixon are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from 7 reviews. More than 200 hikers have used komoot to explore Dixon's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.5
(2)
49
hikers
7.14km
01:49
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
hikers
2.95km
00:45
0m
0m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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17
hikers
4.15km
01:03
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
hikers
3.05km
00:46
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
3.60km
00:54
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
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 Putah Creek Trail is a lovely, flat loop along the north side of Putah Creek, where you can immerse yourself in nature surrounded by Valley Oaks, wild California Grape, California Wild Rose, and Fremont Cottonwood trees. The public access area is only on the north side of the creek between Pedrick Road and Old Davis Road; the rest is private property or not open to the public, so be mindful of the boundaries. In the winter, the path might get a bit flooded; however, you can still enjoy a stroll by walking along the levee to Old Davis Road.
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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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Just off School Rd bike route is this low gated access to the road around the drainage pool
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Access via pedestrian gate on the northeast side from the Valley Glen neighborhood is open. Exit gate on the southwest corner may be closed on weekends, but is low enough to lift the bike over 😉
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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 available around Dixon?
There are over 10 easy hiking routes available around Dixon, offering accessible outdoor experiences through diverse landscapes.
What makes hiking around Dixon unique for easy trails?
Easy hikes around Dixon are characterized by their unique riparian habitats along waterways like Putah Creek, gently rolling topography, and significant natural preserves such as Jepson Prairie. You can explore rare vernal pool ecosystems and native bunchgrass prairies, offering rich opportunities for wildlife and nature observation.
What is the best time of year to explore the easy trails in Dixon?
The early spring is particularly scenic, especially at places like Jepson Prairie Preserve, where thousands of wildflowers transform the landscape after winter rains. The region's trails are generally enjoyable year-round during daylight hours, with spring offering vibrant natural displays.
Are there any specific natural features or wildlife to look for on easy hikes?
Yes, the region is rich in wildlife. Along Putah Creek, you might spot beavers, ground squirrels, deer, and various birds. The Valley Glen Drainage Pond is known for waterfowl, kestrels, burrowing owls, and meadowlarks. Jepson Prairie Preserve is famous for its rare vernal pools and extensive wildflower displays in spring.
Can I find any points of interest or landmarks near the easy hiking routes?
Several routes pass by interesting features. For instance, trails around Lake Spafford offer pleasant lakeside views. The Putah Creek Trail provides access to the scenic riparian reserve. You can also find the historic Stevenson Bridge nearby.
Are the easy hiking trails around Dixon suitable for families with children?
Many of the easy trails are ideal for families. Their generally flat terrain and focus on nature observation, such as bird-watching at the Valley Glen Drainage Pond or exploring the varied plant collections of the UC Davis Arboretum Trail, make them accessible and engaging for all ages.
Are there dog-friendly easy trails in the Dixon area?
While specific regulations vary by location, many natural areas and trails around Dixon, especially those along riparian corridors and open spaces, are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash and check local signage for any specific restrictions.
Are there any easy loop trails for hiking around Dixon?
Yes, there are several easy loop trails. The Valley Glen Drainage Pond offers a 1.8-mile loop, perfect for a short walk and birding. Another option is the Lake Spafford – Lake Spafford loop from UC Davis Health Stadium, which is about 3.7 miles.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Dixon?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Hikers often praise the accessible, flat paths, the opportunities for bird-watching and wildlife spotting, and the peaceful natural environments found along riparian corridors and around lakes.
Are there any easy trails accessible by public transport?
Some trails, particularly those closer to urban centers like the UC Davis Arboretum Trail, may be reachable via local public transport options. For trails further afield, such as those at Jepson Prairie Preserve, personal transportation is generally recommended.
Where can I see wildflowers on an easy hike near Dixon?
The Jepson Prairie Preserve, located about 10 miles south of Dixon, is an excellent spot to see wildflowers. In early spring, after winter rains, the preserve transforms with thousands of yellow, purple, and white wildflowers. Portions of the preserve are open to the public year-round, offering trails within a fenced area and along a road. For more information on California wildflowers, you can visit Visit California.
Are there any easy trails with good viewpoints around Dixon?
While Dixon's topography is generally flat, offering gentle paths, trails along open prairie landscapes and around lakes like Lake Spafford provide expansive views of the surrounding natural environment and opportunities for bird-watching across open water.
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