With the Berryessa Snow Mountain region just beyond my backyard, I recently drove west to the Blue Ridge, to hike Annie’s Trail at the headwaters of the Cold Canyon UC Natural Reserve.  While the trail is strenuous, our group slowly but steadily climbed the 2500 feet to Annie’s Rock.  From this spectacular perch we looked out at the heart of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region, including the Cedar Roughs Wilderness across Lake Berryessa and a terrific view 100 miles north to the Snow Mountain Wilderness.

Though I have lived in the area for years, I continue to love the diversity of the Berryessa Snow Mountain region.  We caught much of this diversity on our recent hike on Annie’s Trail, but at any time, I can enjoy a hike through Blue Oak woodlands or visit incredible wild flower displays.  Tule elk, black bear, mountain lions, river otters or Pacific Fishers roam the canyons while eagles, osprey and herons soar above.  The Berryessa Snow Mountain region hosts a landscape that is also open to a variety of activities; visitors can hike, hunt, camp, fish, go birding, mountain bike, use off road vehicles on legal routes, boat on Lake Berryessa, horseback ride and ...

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