Hiking in Napa is not only famous for its vineyards and wine-tasting tours but also for its scenic hiking trails. This guide will take you through some of the best hiking trails in Napa, highlighting the beauty and uniqueness of each.
Hiking is one of the most accessible outdoor activities in Napa. It is an excellent way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Napa boasts a range of trails, each offering unique experiences, from challenging uphill climbs to gentle strolls through the valley.
Best Hiking Trails in Napa
Skyline Wilderness Park
Alston Park
Oat Hill Mine Trail
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Table Rock Trail
Mount Saint Helena Trail
Connolly Ranch Trails
Westwood Hills Park
Moore Creek Park
Linda Falls Preserve
Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park
Napa Valley Vine Trail
Napa River Trail
Skyline Wilderness Park
Skyline Wilderness Park offers over 25 miles of hiking trails, making it one of the most extensive hiking destinations in Napa. The park has both easy and challenging trails, making it suitable for hikers of all levels. Skyline offers stunning views of the valley and is home to an array of wildlife, including deer, turkeys, and rabbits.
Alston Park
Alston Park is a 157-acre park with numerous trails suitable for hiking and mountain biking. The park offers scenic views of the valley and is home to a variety of plant and animal life. Alston Park is a favorite hiking spot among locals and visitors alike.
Oat Hill Mine Trail
The Oat Hill Mine Trail is a 9.5-mile trail that connects the towns of Calistoga and Napa. The trail offers a moderate to difficult hike and is known for its stunning views of the valley. The trail is also home to a variety of plant and animal life, including coyotes and mountain lions.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is a 2,000-acre park that offers numerous hiking trails, including the Ritchey Canyon Trail, which offers stunning views of the park’s redwood forest. The park also offers camping facilities, making it an excellent spot for an overnight hike.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a 5,000-acre park that offers numerous hiking trails, including the Mount St. Helena Trail. The park offers stunning views of the valley and is home to an array of plant and animal life, including black bears and mountain lions.
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park
Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a 4,000-acre park that offers numerous hiking trails, including the Bald Mountain Trail. The park offers stunning views of the valley and is home to an array of plant and animal life, including red-tailed hawks and coyotes.
Table Rock Trail
Table Rock Trail is a 3.3-mile trail that offers a moderate hike through oak woodlands and chaparral. The trail offers stunning views of the valley and is home to a variety of plant and animal life.
Mount Saint Helena Trail
The Mount Saint Helena Trail is a popular Hiking in Napa, known for its challenging uphill climb and breathtaking views. The trail is a 10-mile round trip and reaches an elevation of 4,343 feet at the summit of Mount Saint Helena.
The trailhead is located in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, named after the famous author who once lived in the area. The park offers parking facilities, restrooms, and picnic tables for hikers. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through oak woodlands, chaparral, and rocky terrain.
As you hike further up, the trail becomes steeper, with switchbacks and rocky terrain. The last half-mile of the trail is the most challenging, with a steep incline to the summit. However, the stunning panoramic views from the top are worth the effort.
From the summit, hikers can see Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and as far as San Francisco Bay on clear days. The summit also has a few picnic tables where hikers can rest and enjoy the views before making the descent.
Hikers are advised to wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and check the weather conditions before embarking on the hike. The trail can be hot and exposed during the summer months, so hikers should plan accordingly.
Overall, the Mount Saint Helena Trail offers a challenging yet rewarding hike, with stunning views of Napa Valley and beyond. It is a must-visit for any hiking enthusiast visiting Napa.
Connolly Ranch Trails
Connolly Ranch Trails is a beautiful hiking destination in Napa, California. The ranch is situated on 12 acres of land and offers a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The trails wind through oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and riparian habitats, providing hikers with a diverse range of natural scenery to explore. The ranch also offers guided hikes, allowing visitors to learn about the local flora and fauna from knowledgeable guides.
The Connolly Ranch Trails are well-maintained, with clear signage and maps available at the trailhead. Hikers can choose from a variety of trails, ranging from short and easy strolls to longer and more challenging hikes.
One of the most popular trails at Connolly Ranch is the Creek Trail, which follows the path of a small creek through the heart of the ranch. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of birds and wildlife, including deer, foxes, and raccoons.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Ridge Trail offers a steep climb to the top of a nearby ridge, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to hiking, Connolly Ranch offers a variety of other activities, including animal encounters, gardening workshops, and nature camps for kids. The ranch is also home to a variety of farm animals, including chickens, pigs, and goats, providing visitors with a fun and educational experience.
Overall, Connolly Ranch Trails is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the natural Hiking in Napa. With its well-maintained trails, diverse natural habitats, and variety of activities, the ranch offers something for everyone.
Westwood Hills Park
Westwood Hills Park is a hidden gem located in Napa, California. This park is a favorite among locals, offering a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages and skill levels.
The park is situated on 85 acres of land and is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and riparian habitats. The trails wind through these diverse habitats, providing hikers with a unique and scenic experience.
One of the most popular trails at Westwood Hills Park is the Redwood Trail, which leads visitors through a grove of majestic redwood trees. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of birds and wildlife, including woodpeckers, squirrels, and deer.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Summit Trail offers a steep climb to the top of a nearby hill, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
In addition to hiking, Westwood Hills Park offers a variety of other activities, including picnicking, birdwatching, and nature photography. The park also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including guided hikes and educational programs.
Westwood Hills Park is a great destination for families, with its well-maintained trails and picnic areas providing a fun and safe environment for children to explore. The park is also dog-friendly, allowing visitors to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.
Overall, Westwood Hills Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Napa. With its diverse habitats, scenic trails, and variety of activities, the park offers something for everyone.
Moore Creek Park
Moore Creek Park is a beautiful natural area located in Napa, California. The park covers 156 acres and offers visitors a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic views.
The trails at Moore Creek Park wind through a variety of habitats, including oak woodlands, grassy meadows, and chaparral. Hikers can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hillsides and valleys, making this park a favorite among nature enthusiasts.
One of the most popular trails at Moore Creek Park is the Creekside Trail, which follows the path of a small creek through the heart of the park. Along the way, hikers can spot a variety of birds and wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Hillside Trail offers a steep climb to the top of a nearby hill, providing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Moore Creek Park also offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, restrooms, and a playground for children. The park is a great destination for families, with its wide-open spaces and safe environment providing a fun and relaxing experience for all.
In addition to hiking and picnicking, Moore Creek Park offers a variety of other activities throughout the year, including educational programs, guided hikes, and nature walks.
Overall, Moore Creek Park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Napa. With its well-maintained trails, diverse habitats, and variety of activities, the park offers something for everyone.
Linda Falls Preserve
Linda Falls Preserve is a beautiful natural area located in Angwin, California. The preserve covers 42 acres and offers visitors a variety of hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views.
The main attraction of Linda Falls Preserve is the waterfall itself, which cascades down a rocky hillside and into a small pool below. The waterfall is a popular spot for visitors to take photos and relax in the tranquil surroundings.
In addition to the waterfall, Linda Falls Preserve offers a variety of hiking trails that wind through the surrounding hillsides and forests. The trails offer stunning views of the Napa Valley and provide a unique and memorable hiking experience.
One of the most popular trails at Linda Falls Preserve is the Linda Falls Trail, which leads visitors directly to the base of the waterfall. Along the way, hikers can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding hillsides and valleys.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Ridge Trail offers a steep climb to the top of a nearby ridge, providing breathtaking views of the Napa Valley.
Linda Falls Preserve also offers a variety of amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, restrooms, and interpretive signage. The preserve is a great destination for families, with its tranquil surroundings and safe environment providing a fun and relaxing experience for all.
Overall, Linda Falls Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty of Napa. With its stunning waterfall, well-maintained trails, and variety of amenities, the preserve offers something for everyone.
Napa Valley Vine Trail
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a 47-mile multi-use path that runs through the heart of the Napa Valley, offering visitors a unique and immersive way to experience the region’s world-renowned vineyards and wineries.
The trail winds through some of the most scenic and picturesque areas of the Napa Valley, including the towns of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. Along the way, visitors can stop at any number of wineries and tasting rooms to sample some of the region’s finest wines.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail is open to walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters, making it a great option for visitors of all ages and fitness levels. The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, with plenty of rest areas and amenities along the way.
One of the most popular sections of the trail is the Yountville Mile, which runs through the town of Yountville and offers stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and hillsides. Visitors can stop at any number of tasting rooms and restaurants along the way, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or bike ride.
Another popular section of the trail is the Oak Knoll District, which offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the Napa Valley wine industry. The area is home to some of the region’s oldest and most prestigious wineries, many of which offer guided tours and tastings.
Overall, the Napa Valley Vine Trail is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the natural beauty and world-renowned wines of the Napa Valley. With its stunning scenery, well-maintained trails, and variety of amenities, the trail offers something for everyone.