Out at Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve right now, the bush lupines, sticky monkeyflower and fairy lanterns are at their peaks, the stream is still running nicely — although the flow has dropped noticeably over the last couple of weeks — a few California newts are still hanging out in some of the deeper pools, and pipevine swallowtail butterflies are everywhere.

Visitors can take all of it in during guided hikes being organized by UC Davis students over the next several weeks. The students are offering guided walks along the Homestead Trail, a relatively gentle two-mile round trip (although the trail is rough in places), as well as more challenging guided hikes up to the Blue Ridge overlook (approximately three miles round trip, but with a 1,300-foot altitude gain).

Kids’ activities are planned for a family day on Saturday, May 26.

The rest of the schedule is as follows:

* Saturday: Homestead nature hike (easy);

* Saturday, May 19: Homestead nature hike (easy);

* Saturday, May 19: Blue Ridge overlook guided hike (strenuous);

* Saturday, May 26: Homestead nature hike (easy);

* Saturday, May 26: Kids’ SCENE (Stebbins Canyon Environment and Nature Exploration) — a family-oriented day at the reserve targeted at kids ages 5-9;

* Saturday, June 2: Homestead nature hike (easy); and

* Saturday, June 2: Blue Ridge overlook guided hike (strenuous).

All of the guided hikes get under way at 10 a.m. and generally end around noon. To reserve a spot in any of the hikes or the family day, email Jeffrey Clary at [email protected].

Friday morning “pickup” guided hikes are continuing at 10 a.m. without reservations until the weather gets too warm. Check nrs.ucdavis.edu/Stebbins.html for updates.

Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve is about a 15-minute drive west of Winters.

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