I’m a Winters local and have hiked this trial numerous times. My favorite way is to take the face from the parking lot up and the backside back down. It’s a more intense start but allows a better decent imo for enjoyment. Beautiful 360 degree views for about a 1/3 or the whole loop. Well worth the trip if you are in the area.
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Did the hike on December 22, 2019. A few days earlier there were rains but that day had a bit of sunshine (mostly cloudy). The trail was passable in all places but its many steep sections required some care. A pole would have come handy on these steep ascents and descents. I started counterclock wise (finished through the Stebbins Cold Canyon entry gate). Topping off the ridge was relatively easy with switchbacks, the crest walk was spectacular and at times requiring attention - you walk literally on top of the rocky ridge, a very fun walk. All along the alluring sights of lake Berryessa and the Putah Creek on the right. Approximately 2 miles into the hike, the trail starts to climb down. I added Annie's trail loop which starts uneventfully but then becomes steeper and steeper. As it reaches the drop, it turns back down via a short side walk to Annie's Rock with great views on the lake and the ridges. The trail follows the ridge a bit (fun) and then goes very steeply further down (will be tricky with any amount of rain). Once you close the loop on Annie's trail, it's only 0.25 mile back to the main loop. The Annie's trail signs direct to go clockwise, which makes sense because you face more of the scenery going so. After the junction with Annie's trail, the main loop features long series of steps, good joint warm up going down. The wooden blocks were saturated with water and slippery on their own, plus the wet clayish soil and wet leaves, so it is good to be focused there. The trail reaches the creek bed and continues along. It is fun to see little signs designating plants - once you reach the gate, you learn that this area is under the care of UC Davies. Signage is very good along the entire trail with mileage posts and trail direction. With Annie's trail, my distance was 7.5 miles with elevation of 2,330 ft, per Gaia GPS.
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