Some of the best outdoor experiences available on the lake are hikes which require paddling to reach the trailhead. The combination of paddling and hiking exercises the entire body while paddling quiet waters and hiking remote trails satisfies the soul.

The trailheads for these informal trails are unmarked and can be difficult to locate on the shoreline. For this reason, GPS coordinates are given for each trailhead in addition to the written description and map.

Pope to Putah

A four to five mile paddle up the Putah Creek Arm, starting from the Pope or Putah launches, reaches the trailhead of the Pope to Putah Trail. The trail, still under construction, goes up the ridge on the west side of the water. Great views.

Cedar Roughs

Launch from Pope and paddle up the Pope Canyon Arm to the Cedar Roughs Boat-In Access. The trail climbs to a pleasant meadow, dubbed the Homestead Site, dotted with huge Oaks and old rusting iron artifacts.

Monticello Overlook

From the Markley launch, paddle across to the northeast side of the Narrows. Climb an old road to a grand overlook of Monticello Dam and the Narrows.

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