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United States
California
Yolo County

Davis

The best hikes from bus stations around Davis

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Bus Station hikes around Davis offer access to a diverse range of natural landscapes within and near the city. The region is characterized by flat terrain, featuring extensive greenbelts, riparian environments along Putah Creek, and cultivated botanical gardens. These areas provide accessible walking paths and opportunities to observe local flora and fauna. The landscape transitions from urban parks to more open wetlands and agricultural fields, offering varied scenery for outdoor activities.

Best bus station hiking trails around Davis

  • The most popular bus station hiking route is Lake Spafford – Mondavi Center UC Davis loop from Davis, a 5.7 miles (9.1 km) trail that takes 2 hours 19 minutes to complete, winding through the UC Davis campus and arboretum.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Lake Spafford loop from Davis, an easy 2.2 miles (3.6 km) path. This route offers a tranquil experience around the lake, showcasing riparian vegetation and local wildlife.
  • Local hikers also love the Northstar Pond loop from Davis, a 4.6 miles (7.4 km) trail leading through local green spaces and around ponds, often completed in about 1 hour 52 minutes.
  • Hiking around Davis is defined by arboretum paths, riparian environments, and extensive greenbelts. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate walks.
  • The routes in Davis are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from over 9 reviews. More than 260 hikers have used komoot to explore Davis's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

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#1.

Lake Spafford loop from Davis

4.68km

01:11

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

8

hikers

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

5.0

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5

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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

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Tips from the Community

maniboyflex
June 30, 2025, North Davis Farm Lake

A small farm lake along the trail that can be a nice place to stop and watch the bird life.

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This wooden cabin was built by two Boy Scout troops in 1927, with help from the Davis Rotary Club, which donated quite a few supplies for the construction. For two years in the 1950s the cabin served as a nursery school, and in 2000 the Boy Scouts vacated the cabin after ongoing disputes traced back to discriminatory practices.

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maniboyflex
November 26, 2023, Lake Spafford

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 historic pioneer cabin at the entrance to town was built by members of the Davis Rotary Club for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. Telephone pole cedar logs were donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co, the other supplies by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin

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Telephone pole cedar logs donated by Pacific Gas & Electric Co. were used by members of the Davis Rotary Club to build this cabin for use by local Boy Scout troops in 1927. This cabin is an example of a continued fondness for the rustic forms and images of pioneer America. It was the Rotary Club's first local community project. Stones for the cabin were gathered by the Boy Scouts and transported from a nearby creek by trucks. The other supplies were donated by the Davis Rotary Club. Originally built on UC Davis-leased land, the university had been renting the parcel to the Boy Scouts since the construction of the cabin in 1927, but the city took over the lease in order to build a public parking lot next to the cabin. Since that time, the Boy Scouts paid the city $1/year for a land tenancy sublease, but co-owned the cabin with the Davis Rotary Club. In 1999 the city's Human Relations Commission cited the Boy Scouts' stance on not admitting gay leaders and atheists in making its recommendation to the City Council to cancel the lease. The scouts vacated the cabin in 2002. The nearby John Natsoulas Art Gallery, now called the John Natsoulas Center for the Arts, is the largest of the Davis art galleries. They operate the Log Cabin Gallery, by appointment, in the former Boy Scout Cabin. https://localwiki.org/davis/Boy_Scout_Cabin

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Traveler
October 13, 2019, Lake Spafford

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 bus-accessible hiking trails are available around Davis?

This guide features 3 bus-accessible hiking trails around Davis, offering a convenient way to explore the region's natural beauty without a car. You'll find a mix of easy and moderate options to suit different preferences.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus-accessible hikes around Davis?

The bus-accessible trails around Davis primarily offer experiences within the city's green spaces and along its waterways. You can expect serene paths through areas like the UC Davis Arboretum, featuring diverse plant collections and riparian environments. While more rugged terrain like Stebbins Cold Canyon or Cache Creek requires a car, these routes provide a peaceful escape within easy reach of public transport.

Are there easy hiking options accessible by bus from Davis?

Yes, there are 2 easy hiking routes accessible by bus from Davis. For example, the Lake Spafford loop from Davis is a gentle 3.6 km walk, perfect for a relaxed outing. Another easy option is the Northstar Pond loop from Davis, which covers 7.4 km through pleasant surroundings.

Can I bring my dog on these bus-accessible trails?

Many of the local parks and greenbelts in Davis, including areas like the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Greenbelt, are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. Always check specific park regulations before heading out, as rules can vary. For public transport, Unitrans and Yolobus generally allow service animals, but policies for pets may be restricted or require carriers.

Are these bus-accessible trails suitable for families with children?

Absolutely! The easy routes featured in this guide, such as the Lake Spafford loop from Davis, are generally flat and well-maintained, making them ideal for families with children. The UC Davis Arboretum, a key feature of some routes, offers engaging botanical gardens and open spaces that kids often enjoy.

What are some notable sights or attractions I can see along bus-accessible routes?

Along the bus-accessible routes, you can discover several interesting sights. The Lake Spafford is a prominent feature on some trails, offering scenic views. You might also encounter the Stevenson Bridge, and depending on your route, the vibrant Market Pavillion in Davis Central Park. The US Bicycling Hall of Fame is also nearby, reflecting Davis's strong cycling culture.

Are there any circular routes I can take from a bus station in Davis?

Yes, all the routes in this guide are circular, meaning you'll end up back where you started, which is convenient when relying on public transport. Examples include the Lake Spafford – Mondavi Center UC Davis loop from Davis and the Northstar Pond loop from Davis.

What is the best time of year to hike these bus-accessible trails in Davis?

Davis offers pleasant hiking conditions for much of the year. Spring (March-May) brings blooming flora, while fall (September-November) provides cooler temperatures and colorful foliage. Summer can be very hot, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended. Winter (December-February) is generally mild, making it suitable for hiking, though occasional rain may occur.

What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Davis?

The bus-accessible hiking trails in Davis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars. Reviewers often praise the accessibility, the peaceful atmosphere of the greenbelts and arboretum, and the opportunity for a refreshing walk within city limits. The well-maintained paths and diverse plant life are frequently highlighted as enjoyable aspects.

Are there opportunities for wildlife viewing on bus-accessible hikes?

Yes, even within the city's green spaces, you can spot various wildlife. Areas like the UC Davis Arboretum and the Davis Greenbelt are home to numerous bird species, squirrels, and other small mammals. Keep an eye out for waterfowl around Lake Spafford and other ponds. For more extensive wildlife viewing, areas like the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area (though requiring a bus transfer or longer journey) are renowned for migratory birds.

Can I find coffee shops or amenities near the bus-accessible trailheads in Davis?

Given that these trails are accessible from bus stations within or very close to Davis, you'll find a good selection of coffee shops, cafes, and other amenities nearby. The UC Davis campus area and downtown Davis, which are central hubs for bus routes, offer numerous options for refreshments before or after your hike.

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