Impact Alert: Nut Tree Boulders

Posted on by webbacc

The BACC is asking for your help in preserving access to the Hillcrest Boulders by honoring residents’ request that all traffic be diverted to alternative parking areas and by reducing the impact caused by a recent increase in activity in the area.

With climbing gyms closed, there has been a dramatic increase in traffic at many of our favorite outdoor climbing areas. While it’s wonderful that so many are discovering outdoor climbing, now more than ever we all need to do our part to make sure the climbing community’s access to the areas in which we climb are not threatened.

The residents of Hillcrest Circle, the neighborhood surrounding Nut Tree Boulders in Vacaville, have asked that all parking be diverted to alternative locations outside of the neighborhood. There are two convenient options with ample parking:

  1. Vaca Valley Pkwy: There is parking along the west side of Vaca Valley Parkway before it dead-ends.  The City of Vacaville removed “No Parking” signs recently to accommodate additional parking areas. Note that cattle are currently grazing in this area, so please be sure to close gates!
  2. McMurtry Lane: Heading north on Browns Valley Parkway turn left (west) on McMurtry Lane.  Go all the way down until you reach the Caliguiri Park and Preserve Area.  There is plenty of street parking there that will not interfere with residents. Note that cattle are also grazing in this area, so please be sure to close gates!

In addition to increased bouldering traffic, there has also been a significant uptick in the amount of hikers and dog walking in the area. This combined activity has not only lead to traffic-related frustrations but also to reports of increased littering, graffiti, and in some cases, property destruction.

You can help be a good steward of the land by observing leave no trace principles, encouraging others to follow suit, and picking up after those who haven’t gotten the message yet. Next time you visit Hillcrest Boulders, consider bringing a trash bag with you and leaving the area a little better than it was when you arrived. The neighbors will appreciate it, and you’ll be setting a positive example of how a conscientious climber acts.

Vaca Valley Parkway / Browns Valley Open Space Map & Photos

  • The end of Vaca Valley Parkway, denoted by a white fence. There is a fire hydrant at the very end of the public portion of the road.
  • The side of Vaca Valley Parkway near a cattle gate leading to the Browns Valley Open Space Preserve. A sign indicating Wrentham Dr is approaching is in the background.
  • A cattle gate leading to the Browns Valley Open Space Preserve.
  • A cattle gate leading to the Browns Valley Open Space Preserve. Photo taken from across the street.
These photos show the preferred Vaca Valley Parkway parking area.

Caliguiri Park & Reserve Map & Photos

  • The parking area near the 4500 block of McMurtry Lane
  • Caliguiri Park & Preserve. Green, rolling hills with power lines traversing the tops are in the background. A sign with the park's name and an artistic rendering of the hills is in the foreground.
These photos show the preferred McMurtry Lane parking area.