Article Courtesy of the Solano Land Trust
Views can be inspiring and offer perspective on our day-to-day accomplishments and challenges. Take a moment to imagine people of all ages and walks of life climbing trails, breathing deeply, and attaining that sweet spot of perspective.
Check out our list of our favorite views on Solano Land Trust properties:
The Suisun Hill Trail that starts on Grizzly Island Road opposite the driveway to Rush Ranch takes you to the top of Suisun Hill. The view looking south to Mount Diablo leads your eye across the ranch and the Suisun Marsh. One staff member says she’d love to hike Mount Diablo, but doesn’t have to because Suisun Hill is in her own backyard, figuratively speaking. That makes her reflect on how grateful she is to be in nature within ten minutes. Be sure to keep an eye out for birds of prey when on Suisun Hill. (Rush Ranch is located off Grizzly Island Road in the Suisun Marsh and is open daily, 8 a.m. to dusk.)
Climb to the top of the North Ridge Trail for rewarding views of the Napa River, North Bay wetlands, San Francisco Bay, Mount Tamalpais, and even the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance. The trail is part of the Bay Area Ridge Trail and has picnic tables where you can sit and catch your inspiration while catching your breath. (Lynch Canyon is open to the public year-round Friday-Monday.)
It seems that everyone stops at the bench that overlooks the reservoir on the Tower Trail. And just as often they pull out a phone to take a picture of the reservoir below or the classic selfie. There’s something about this spot that people like, beyond the fact that it’s a good place to catch your breath. Look to the towers and see if you can spot a golden eagle.
If you have an opportunity to go on a docent-led hike at King Ranch, do it (first Saturday of most months). There are several views that are spectacular. Perhaps the most dramatic is from atop the windy mesa. From this perch, you really get a sense of the vastness of Suisun Marsh, and realize how lucky we are that people have worked to protect it for over a century. (The King-Swett Ranches are open to the public for staff- or docent-led activities only. Register for an upcoming hike to explore this beautiful property.)
From a rocky outcrop at the eastern edge of Harmonia Hill, you can look out over Suisun Valley and further on to Suisun and the Montezuma Hills. On a clear day, you can see forever – well, at least to the Sierras. (Rockville Trails Preserve is located near Rockville Hills Park, and is only open to guests participating in Solano Land Trust hikes. Register for an upcoming hike to explore this beautiful property.)
On a docent-led hike, you can climb the hills with no names for views that block out housing developments, roads, and cities. The signs of society are in the valleys and hidden from view, and all you see are hills for miles. In the springtime it’s miles of emerald green, which is so good for the eyes.
The Mission of Solano Land Trust is to protect land to ensure a healthy environment, keep ranching and farming families on their properties, and inspire a love of the land. Their properties – Jepson Prairie Preserve, King-Swett Ranches, Lynch Canyon, Rush Ranch and Rockville Trails – represent the rich and varied landscape that makes Solano County unique. Rush Ranch, Lynch Canyon, and Rockville Trails are all located in Fairfield/Suisun, and King-Swett is a short drive away near Vallejo. Jepson Prairie is outside of Dixon. Check out the Solano Land Trust’s event calendar for information on upcoming hikes, events, and volunteer opportunities.