Rayhouse Road / Road 40 Trail

Fresh green scenery, high ridges, and ongoing canyons are the main features that surround the Roadhouse Road/ Road 40 Trail. Although officially the trail is known as Road 40, it's also known as Roadhouse Road. Despite the name, this old road no longer allows normal vehicles and makes a great place for hiking. Thanks to its old usage as a road, the trail is mostly paved, with crushed stone and cracked concrete portions that remain about 10 feet wide the entire length. 

The trail begins in the peaceful area of Cache Creek Regional Park, where hikers will find not only parking, but also restrooms, a picnic area, a rocky beach for swimming and fishing, and a canoe launch along Cache Creek. Road 40 turns off to the east and following it will bring you to a bridge that passes over the creek. After crossing, turning right will start your hiking adventure. The trail begins to climb right away, covered in alpine trees and tall oaks.

The trail climbs over 2,000 feet in less than five miles, showcasing gorgeous peaks, rolling hills, and grasslands. After the steep incline for the next five miles through Bear Canyon, hikers will come across Fiske Creek Trailhead, where they can stop by firepits or set up camp. The trail from this point climbs another 800 feet for about two miles until it reaches the peak of Glascock Mountain, where hikers and pups can see 360-degree views of the forests, chaparral, and grasslands.

At this point, it's a sharp decline down the mountain and you might have to watch your footing. But thanks to its constant decline the way down, it's much easier to get back to the park. You and your pup will be greeted with just as gorgeous views of the way down, and thanks to the peaceful and extensive hike, you and Fido will be sure to make plans to return.