Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area

The trailhead for Rector Reservoir Wildlife Area is very small, with perhaps two spaces for cars.  But you can also park along the shoulder of Silverado Trail.  Our hike starts off with a 1.25 mile long relentless climb.  The actual elevation gain overall is not too bad (only about 900 feet) but it occurs all at once.  Plus the terrain is rocky and/or slippery.  So it's a quick wake up call.

Once the trail tops off on the ridge things get more pleasant.  At that point you can also see into the Rector Reservoir and the largely undeveloped Rector Creek valley that empties into Napa valley.  As the trail continues to the southeast it undulates along the ridge, occasionally cresting a hilltop along the way.

Long pants are highly recommended for this hike.  The trail is overgrown to some degree in most areas.  But it's also the type of overgrowth that calls for protection.  At least two different types of spiky plants will poke or slash at your bare legs.

Lizards were the most spotted animal of the day.  But surprisingly, a large number of them were babies or juveniles, more so than we had seen elsewhere.  The most exciting encounter was when a doe and her fawn burst forth from some brush as we unknowingly came near them along the trail.  They sprinted downhill at a remarkable rate and disappeared into some more foliage well away from us.

The trail likely continues for another mile beyond our turnaround point.  But we were tired enough and I think this turnaround point provided a final, wonderful view over the valley on which to turn back.