Issued by: Vacaville Fire Protection District @ UC Davis Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve

Date: August 1, 2025

Over the past two years, two hikers have died on this trail due to heat-related illness and dehydration. Earlier this year, Vacaville Fire Protection District responded to 6 separate hikers in distress in one day. Tragically, one did not survive.

Due to the trail's popularity and extreme summer conditions, our department now responds to Cold Canyon Trail nearly every week. Emergency response can be delayed by 45–60 minutes or longer due to the remote location, difficult terrain, and limited access routes.
 

🗺️ TRAIL SNAPSHOT – KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Keep Track of Mile Markers on your hike to be able to relay to Emergency Services
 

🔁 Loop Trail

📏 Distance: ~5 miles round trip
⏱️ Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours for novice hikers
⛰️ Elevation Gain: ~1,300 feet
☀️ Exposure: Full sun; no shade for long stretches
⚠️ Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
📵 Cell Signal: Weak to none in most areas - No Cell, No 911

🔥 HAZARDS ON THE TRAIL

🥵 Extreme Heat – Risk of heat stroke, especially midday
💧 Dehydration – Bring at least 1 gallon of water per person,
              NO water is available on site.
☀️ Second-Degree Sunburns – Reported due to high UV and full sun exposure
⚠️ Loose, Steep Terrain – Fall and injury risks are high
🦎 Wildlife Hazards – Rattlesnakes, ticks, mountain lions, poison oak
🔥 Post-Wildfire Terrain – Unstable trees, loose soil, rockslides
🚑 Delayed EMS Access – Up to 1 hour or more for emergency crews to reach you

More Info >> https://naturalreserves.ucdavis.edu/stebbins-cold-canyon/hiking

✅ SAFETY TIPS – PROTECT YOURSELF

💧 Be Hydrated before you start your hike
🕖 Start your hike early, avoid 10 AM – 4 PM sun exposure
🧴 Use and reapply SPF 30+ sunscreen
👒 Wear protective clothing: wide-brim hat, long sleeves, sunglasses
🥾 Wear sturdy hiking footwear, avoid flip-flops or trail runners
🧍‍♀️ Hike with a partner, never hike alone
📢 Tell someone your plan before you head out
🚨 Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, act fast, help is far away

THIS IS NOT A CASUAL HIKE.

Cold Canyon looks scenic, but it's high-risk, especially in summer. It demands respect, planning, and physical readiness.

Share this message. Hike smart. Hike safe. Come home.

🔥 Heat Exhaustion - Your body is too hot and struggling to cool down. It's serious, but you can still recover if you cool off quickly.
 

🚩Signs to watch for:

• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin feels cool, pale, and sweaty
• Muscle cramps
• Fast heartbeat
• Tired or weak
• Heavy sweating
   

✅ What to do:

• Get to shade or a cool place
• Drink water
• Rest
• Use wet towels or pour water on your skin
• Take it seriously, it can turn into heat stroke

🚨 Heat Stroke LIFE-THREATENING - Your body is overheating and shutting down. It can kill you if you don’t get help immediately.
 

🚨 Warning signs:

• Confused, acting strange, or can’t speak clearly
• Fainting or passing out
• Hot, dry skin (may stop sweating)
• Very high body temperature (over 103°F / 39.4°C)
• Seizures
• Can’t walk or hold themselves up
• Vomiting
• Breathing fast or shallow
   

🚑 What to do:

• Call 911 immediately
• Move the person to shade or indoors
• Try to cool them: use cold water, fans, or ice
• Stay with them until help arrives

In short:

Heat Exhaustion = Sick and Sweating → cool down fast.

Heat Stroke = Confused or Passing out → CALL 911 NOW!

This Public Service Announcement is brought to you by;
Vacaville Fire Protection District
420 Vine Street
Vacaville, CA 95688
707-283-7628   alert@vfpd.net