UC Davis Arboretum Trail
UC Davis Arboretum Trail
2.9
(9)
74
hikers
UC Davis Arboretum Trail
01:49
7.14km
20m
Hiking
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.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
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2.81Β km
Ruins
Ruins
3.91Β km
Lake Spafford
Highlight β’ Lake
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 1Β½ 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.
ucdavis.edu/news/arboretum-waterway
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7.14Β km
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Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.96Β km
177Β m
Surfaces
5.69Β km
629Β m
530Β m
272Β m
< 100Β m
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11Β°C
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like on the UC Davis Arboretum Trail?
The trail is predominantly flat and mostly paved, making it an easy and accessible route. Some sections are wheelchair-friendly, particularly the east and west ends of the arboretum. It's suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling.
How long does it typically take to hike this trail?
Given its easy difficulty and length of approximately 7.1 kilometers, most visitors can expect to complete the loop in about 1 hour and 48 minutes, though a leisurely stroll to enjoy the scenery might take closer to two hours.
What kind of plants and wildlife can I expect to see?
The arboretum is a 'living museum' with around 4,000 kinds of trees, plants, and shrubs across over 20 themed gardens. You'll find California natives, Australian, East Asian, and Mediterranean plants. The Arboretum Waterway is home to various birds, ducks, and turtles, and the area supports diverse wildlife.
Are dogs allowed on the UC Davis Arboretum Trail?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the trails within the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please remember to clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to visit the arboretum?
The arboretum offers seasonal blooms and evolving landscapes throughout the year. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant for walking due to milder temperatures and vibrant plant displays. However, its diverse collections ensure there's always something interesting to see, even in winter or summer.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee to access the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden?
No, the UC Davis Arboretum and Public Garden, including its trails, is free and open to the public every day of the year. No permits or entrance fees are required.
Where can I park when visiting the trail?
Parking is available at various points around the UC Davis campus and adjacent to the arboretum. Specific parking lots may require payment or a UC Davis parking permit during certain hours. It's advisable to check the UC Davis parking website for the most current information on visitor parking options and fees.
What are some notable points of interest along the route?
The trail meanders through over 20 themed gardens, including the Peter J. Shields Oak Grove, the Ruth Risdon Storer Garden, and the T. Elliot Weier Redwood Grove. You'll also pass by the scenic Lake Spafford and the Arboretum Waterway, which is great for wildlife spotting. Informational signs along the path identify plants and share educational insights.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known paths?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Davis Bike Loop, the 50 (California) trail, and various segments of Arboretum Drive.
Is the UC Davis Arboretum Trail suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Its flat, paved paths and diverse scenery make it very family-friendly. The 'living museum' aspect with various gardens and wildlife spotting opportunities provides an engaging and educational experience for children of all ages.
Are there any cafes or restaurants nearby?
Given its location within the UC Davis campus and proximity to downtown Davis, there are numerous cafes, restaurants, and dining options available within a short walk or drive from various points along the arboretum trail.