Brophy Canyon

Oversight information

• The canyon and trail are overseen by Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Ukiah Office.
• Camping is allowed
• Campfires require a valid permit from the BLM

For the most current information on the trail's condition, closures, and fire restrictions contact the BLM.

How to Get There

From Yolo County, Woodland and Davis, take Highway 16 through the Capay Valley.  Drive almost exactly 2 miles past the Yolo/Colusa County line. Be on the lookout for a pullout on the south side of the road, on the side closest to Bear Creek. Also look out for where Brophy Canyon empties into Bear Creek. Park on the side of the road. The trail starts on the opposite side of Bear Creek. There are no developed facilities at the pullout.

The Hike Itself

You cross Bear Creek, then start up an old fire road on the north side of Brophy Canyon, as you look upstream. Follow this road up to the open grassland, then head cross country north. You will intersect the Three Ponds Trail, and head west toward what is generally called the ‘swimming pond’. Once you get to the swimming pond, you will head south down the ridge to the west of the swimming pond. Head down this ridge, cross country, until you get to another small pond and a clump of oak trees. After getting to the small post with the oak trees, head north on an old road cut to a side drainage of Brophy Creek. You then cross the side drainage and head southeast, back to the grassland you hiked across at the beginning of the trip. Follow the old fire road back to your car. Since this is a cross country hike, you can pretty much choose any path that suits you. Just remember, if you go east, you hit Highway 16, so if you ever get lost, GO EAST!