01
Best overall pick
Redwood Trail & Ritchey Canyon, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Between Deer Park And Calistoga • Shaded Redwood Canyon Hike • Local Favorite
A classic Napa County hike that trades vineyards for towering redwoods and a cool creek-side canyon.
Starting just up Highway 29 from Deer Park, this route eases you into a surprisingly lush world of redwoods, ferns, and the year-round flow of Ritchey Creek. The grade is gentle enough for most hikers, with plenty of spots to linger by the water or extend onto side trails if you want more miles. It’s the go-to choice when you want real forest atmosphere without a long drive or a punishing climb.
02
Best short summit hike
Coyote Peak Trail, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Upper Ritchey Canyon • Steep Summit Loop With Big Views • Best Quick Escape
A punchy loop that climbs from redwood shade to an airy summit with views over the upper Napa Valley.
From the same park that hosts Ritchey Canyon, the Coyote Peak Trail adds a satisfying climb and a payoff panorama. The route starts mellow in the trees, then switchbacks up through mixed forest to a rocky outcrop where you can spot vineyards, ridges, and sometimes even Mount St. Helena on a clear day. It’s a perfect option when you only have a couple of hours but still want your legs and lungs to know they’ve been hiking.
03
Best workout climb
Oat Hill Mine Trail
Calistoga Foothills • Historic Mining Road Climb • Best For Strong Hikers
A rocky former wagon road that climbs above Calistoga with wide-open views and a real backcountry feel.
Just north of Deer Park, the Oat Hill Mine Trail wastes no time gaining elevation as it winds up through chaparral and volcanic rock formations. The old roadbed can be rough and rutted, but the big views over Calistoga and the upper valley make the effort worthwhile. Go early on warm days, pack extra water, and treat this as your training hike when you’re getting ready for bigger mountain days.
04
Best for sweeping vistas
Table Rock Trail, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
North Of Calistoga On Highway 29 • Rugged Volcanic Ridge Trail • Best For Scenery Seekers
A moderately strenuous ridge hike over lava rock and woodland that ends at a dramatic viewpoint perched above the valley.
The Table Rock Trail feels a bit more wild than most Napa hikes, with rocky footing, exposed stretches, and a sense that you’ve stepped into the Coast Range proper. The route undulates along a ridge with views toward Mount St. Helena before ending at a broad volcanic outcrop that acts like a natural viewing platform. On clear days you can linger here spotting distant peaks and tracing the valley floor far below, making this a favorite for hikers who prize scenery over speed.
05
Best close-to-town option
Skyline Wilderness Park
Southeast Of Downtown Napa • Oak Woodland Preserve With Multi-Use Trails • Best For Varied Routes
A large trail network offering everything from mellow lake loops to steep ridge climbs, all within easy reach of town.
Skyline Wilderness Park is a great choice when your group has mixed abilities or you like to adjust your route on the fly. Lower trails wander past a small lake and through open oak savanna, while steeper paths climb toward Skyline and Lake Marie for broader views over Napa. It’s a bit farther from Deer Park than the canyon hikes, but the flexible mileage and well-signed junctions make it a reliable pick for spontaneous outings.