Best Places to Hike in Napa Valley

Best Places to Hike in Napa Valley

Spring has arrived and there couldn’t be a better time to plan a peaceful getaway to California Wine Country. Our world-famous wineries and Michelin Star fine dining draw visitors from far and wide – often overlooked, however, are the many ways to relax in Napa’s scenic trails and hillsides. If you love staying active and are looking for outdoor activities, allow us to present a locals guide to hiking in Napa Valley.

5 Great Places to Hike in Napa Valley

Skyline Wilderness Park sits on the south end of Napa and will appeal to active individuals who really enjoy a good workout. Skyline is home to 25 miles of meandering trails and will reward those who reach the top with serene vistas of San Francisco, Mt. Tamalpais and Mt. Diablo. Carry $5 cash for vehicle parking and visitors fees for hiking and picnicking.

Westwood Hills Park is located in a charming area on the outskirts of town known as Browns Valley. This 3-mile uphill trail through beautiful groves of oak trees, provides panoramic views overlooking Napa. A favorite among locals for short, recreational hikes, its proximity to Downtown Napa makes it an ideal spot for a quick hike before returning to the city’s hotel, restaurant, and wine bar scene.

Alston Park is a dog-friendly reserve with a fenced dog park and open-air trails alongside beautiful vineyards. Let your furry friends stretch their legs, with certain parts of Alston approved for off-leash exercise with your pup.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, in the northern part of Napa Valley, is located in Calistoga, a short drive north of St. Helena. A $10 entrance fee allows camping, picnicking and swimming. Reconnect with nature with more than 10 miles of hiking trails through tall Redwoods, Douglas fir forests, and flowing creeks.

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is up-valley, north of Calistoga. The five-mile hike to the top of Mt. St. Helena is rigorous but well worth the effort. Clear skies provide endless views, stretching almost 200 miles into the distance. On clear days, it is even possible to see the peak of Mt. Shasta. Home to evergreen forests and chaparral, the park is named after the Scottish author of “Treasure Island.”

Markets for Grab-and-Go Picnic Provisions

Two favorites among locals for grab-and-go lunches include Oakville Grocery, just north of Yountville, and Sunshine Foods Market in St. Helena. Between these establishments you will find a rotating assortment of gourmet ingredients, freshly prepared sandwiches, artisan cheeses, pastries, and prepared hot foods. For a hearty meal, after a long hike, our locals recommendation is the fresh made chili from Sunshine Foods Market. Get in early before it’s all gone and don’t forget to grab a fresh baked baguette.

Handwritten Wines To-Go Tasting Kits

In addition to grabbing a great bottle of Handwritten while you’re on the go, we’ve also created a convenient option to enjoy wine tasting in the great outdoors. Great for picnics amid your hiking adventures, or even a wine tasting party at home, our new, do it yourself “To-Go Wine Tasting Kits” are designed for two people to enjoy. Included are 4 wines to taste, 2 plastic wine glasses, a Handwritten Wines corkscrew, white truffle potato chips, butter rosette crackers, chocolate almonds, a map of Napa Valley AVAs, and QR code to 4 videos to guide you through each wine. Entertaining, educational, and fun, there’s no better way to virtually discover Napa’s finest wines.

Add-on options: gourmet prosciutto packs