Best time to visit Napa Valley, CA

Hiking in Napa Valley in Napa Valley, CA

Napa Valley boasts hundreds of beautiful hiking trails

Best time: all year round

Hiking in Napa Valley
Hiking in Napa Valley
Mustard fields in Napa Valley

Sunny and warm nearly year-round, Napa Valley is an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Wine Country is known for its beautiful landscapes with rugged mountain ranges, redwood forests, scenic beautiful lakes all bursting with diverse foliage and wildlife.

Napa Valley is an agricultural preserve with nearly 53,000 acres of farmland and almost no industry. Every season at Wine Country has its advantages. However, fall and spring are considered the most beautiful seasons thanks to stunning foliage at the vineyards and wildflower blooms.

Napa

If you stay in Napa, there are plenty of great hiking trails right there. You can explore Westwood Hills Park or Alston Park, offering great views of the valley. Skyline Park features a scenic Lake Marie at its eastern side and a panoramic Ridge Trail, which provides a view of San Francisco Bay and surrounding peaks.

St. Helena

If you're coming from St. Helena, then you can reach Linda Falls, by an easy 15-minute hike from the town of Angwin. Visit it after the rain to see the impressive volume of water plunging from 50 ft (15 m). Moore Creek Park is another great St. Helena hiking destination known for its wildlife. Bobcats and bald eagles can be spotted at the park. One of the most scenic areas here is Lake Hennessey.

Bothe-Napa Valley State Park

If you're based in Calistoga, it's easy to get to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, which is connected to Bale Grist Mill State Park. Both parks have plenty of short trails, perfect for a day-hike. The area is known for its lush redwoods forests with picturesque creeks, surrounded by Douglas-firs and tanoak trees. Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a hidden gem of Calistoga. It is mostly visited because of its scenic 5-mile (8-km) trail to Mount St. Helena, offering panoramic views.

Practical info

What are some of the most recommended hiking trails in Napa Valley?

Napa Valley has numerous hiking trails for visitors to explore, including Westwood Hills Park, Alston Park, Skyline Park, Linda Falls, Moore Creek Park, and Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Visitors can expect scenic views, wildlife sightings, and picturesque waterfalls along these hiking trails. Show more

Which season is considered the most beautiful for hiking in Napa Valley?

Fall and spring are ideal seasons for hiking in Napa Valley due to the picturesque foliage and wildflower blooms. While Napa Valley offers great hiking opportunities year-round, visitors can expect remarkably beautiful landscapes during these two seasons. Show more

What unique wildlife can be spotted in Moore Creek Park?

Visitors hiking Moore Creek Park can spot some unique wildlife, such as bobcats and bald eagles. In addition to its stunning landscapes, the park offers the opportunity to see bears, coyotes, and mountain lions in their natural habitat. Show more

What are some of the highlights of Bothe-Napa Valley State Park?

Day-hikers will enjoy exploring the lush redwood forests and picturesque creeks surrounded by Douglas-firs and tanoak trees in Bothe-Napa Valley State Park. Visitors can also learn about Napa Valley's milling history by exploring the nearby Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park. Show more

What is the hike to Mount St. Helena famous for?

The trail to Mount St. Helena in Robert Louie Stevenson State Park is a popular hiking spot in Calistoga. Hikers can enjoy scenic views of surrounding peaks and San Francisco Bay while completing this 8-km long trail. The Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is also an attraction, known for its beautiful hike to Mount St. Helena. Show more

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