Berryessa Peak Trail

For many years, there was no access to Berryessa Peak due to the need to cross private property to get there. But in more recent years, an easement was reached and a trail was constructed to the summit of Berryessa Peak. This trail is about 7 miles one way with a total altitude gain of over 3000ft for the round trip. The trail can be quite overgrown in places, which can make for somewhat difficult passage. And ticks can be a problem during warmer parts of the year. Also, most of this trail is very exposed, and will be VERY hot during summer. For these reasons, this hike is best done during the cooler months of the year. On the other hand, the climbing itself is, for the most part, not very extreme. If you can handle a typical climb up a Sierra peak, this hike will be (for the most part) a piece of cake. This hike is started at a rather nondescript trailhead a few miles north of the northern end of Lake Berryessa along the Berryessa Knoxville Road. At this point, there is a pullout with space for a few vehicles and a passage through the fence on the right side of the road (coming north from Lake Berryessa). There are also a few signs indicating that the Berryessa Peak Trail starts here. The first couple of miles of this hike follow a dirt road. This part of the trail is rather easy and uneventful. The only thing noteworthy is that, at about 1.6 miles, the trail reaches a junction. At this point, you make a sharp right turn to climb a short ridge. This junction is quite well signed, and rather hard to miss. After about 2.5 miles (or so), the dirt road ends and the trail becomes single track. It also gets somewhat steep. Indeed, the next half mile (or so) is the steepest part of the hike. After the steep climb is done, the trail reaches a stile that climbs over a fence. Climb over the stile and continue to follow the trail. Over the next couple of miles, the trail follows along the ridgeline. It is this portion of the trail that passes through private property. So you want to stay on the trail. After a couple of miles, the trail steeply drops into a canyon. It just seems to end here. Just look on the other side of the canyon for the trail and hike down to the bottom of the canyon to catch it. Continue on the trail up the other side. The next couple of miles of trail is where things start to get overgrown. The trail here passes through chaparral as it climbs back up to the ridgetop and follows it to the service road. At one point toward the service road, it becomes easy to lose the trail in a burned out area. At this point, it is best to follow the GPS track. Once at the service road, make a right and follow the road to the summit. But make a note as to where the trail connects to the service road. It is neither signed nor extremely obvious. And it can be easy to miss on the way back. The route to the summit from this point is easy - just follow the road. Grab something to eat, take some pictures, and/or just relax. Also, be sure to sign the summit register. When you feel up to it, return to the trailhead the way that you came.