Homestead Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · River/Creek · Wildlife

The Homestead Trail is the least strenuous route through Stebbins Cold Canyon Nature Reserve. Just south of the parking lot is a trailhead exhibit and self registration kiosk. Since reopening in spring 2016 after the previous year's fire, the trail burrows under highway 128 through a large dark tunnel (head lamps are helpful here even in broad daylight). Check that no water is present before entering!

Once through the tunnel, it follows the stream course (dry or wet, seasonally) up Cold Canyon, mostly through chaparral and under some riparian trees. After some gradual uphill hiking, it reaches the ruins of an old homestead.

The normal collection of birds and other animals may be seen. Watch for amphibians when there's water around the homestead site.