The Hike:

You can do this hike in either direction, and any of the sections.  I will describe it from Pedrick road to Old Davis road.

Starting at Pedrick Road, hike along the dirt road that parallels the creek.  Cross under the Pedrick road bridge, and continue downstream.  When the dirt road gets to the fire ring area, it will become paved.  You can walk down to the fire ring area, and then back up to the paved section of road, or continue on a trail near the creek (can be underwater in winter). Continue toward the Brooks road parking area, downstream.  From the Brooks Road parking, there is a trail continuing to Old Davis Road. 

Along the way, you will see box elder, valley oak, arroyo and sandbar willow, California grape, California wild rose, and Cottonwood.

In Winter, this footpath is frequently flooded by high water.  In that case, you will have to walk the levee to Old Davis road.

My favorite part about this hike, in addition to the creek, is the fact that it is in Davis!  A great place to get away from it all, but without having to travel the long distances.

Distance: From Pedrick road to the gravel parking area at the levee, it is 1.2 miles. From the levee to Old Davis road, it is 1.5 miles. No discernible elevation change.

How to get there: 

Depending on which trailhead you are going to, there are a number of ways to get to the parking spots.

Pedrick road parking:  There is a gravel parking area on the north west side of Pedrick road, on UCD property. 

Fire ring parking:  Take Hopkins Road south, past the airport, until you see the creek.  Park off of the side of the road.

Brooks road parking:  Continue on Hopkins road past the airport, go past the fire ring parking, and continue on the paved road until it begins to curve north, and you see the beginning of the gravel levee road.  Park outside of the levee gate in the gravel parking area.  The trail starts at the gravel area, and parallels the creek.

Old Davis Road Parking:  There is a new parking area at Old Davis Road. It is on the north side of the creek, downstream from the bridge. It is a big gravel area, and the gate is always open. Park here, instead of the side of the road. It's much safer.