Lynch Canyon Open Space, an asset of the Solano County Land Trust, is a fantastic place for raptors in the winter! It’s also home to grassland species, and waterbirds on the reservoir. The trails are wide and firmly packed but unpaved. Participants will be able to choose between two routes: A loop of about 2.5 miles around Lynch Reservoir, with some gentle elevation gain; or a longer loop of about 3.25 miles with a longer, steeper climb (14% grade at one stretch). Co-leaders will be present to accompany along either route. On both routes we’ll stop frequently to look for raptors, and to scope the reservoir. Lynch Canyon is still a working ranch so we can expect to encounter free-ranging cattle. Some of the trails are part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail, and we may encounter bicyclists, e-bikes, and equestrians.

Please bring $6 (exact bills) for the off-season parking fee. Bring ample water (none is available on site) and sun protection. There is almost no shade on the trails. There is a pit toilet at the parking lot. Solano County Land Trust asks us to bring our own hand sanitizer. Bring snacks or lunch. On the longer loop, there are picnic tables.

Hike Rating: 2 (longer route is 3) Elevation change on the longer loop trail option is approximately 500 feet.
Leaders: Susana de Trapaga () 510.333.2693 and Maureen Lahiff (), 510.484.6529
Meet: Parking lot for Lynch Canyon Open Space

Directions: Take I-80 east to exit 36, American Canyon Road/Hiddenbrook Pkwy. At the stop sign at the end of the exit ramp, turn right and then immediately left onto McGary Road, which runs alongside the freeway. After about 1.7 miles, turn left onto Lynch Road, pass under I-80, and drive all the way to the parking lot.

Heavy rain cancels the trip. We’ll send an email if we’re cancelling, or if weather looks iffy. Participants acknowledge the MDAS Liability Waiver (available during registration). Register for this trip here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lynch-canyon-tickets-736130916387

(Golden Eagle and Raven photo by Isaac Aronow)