01
Best overall pick
Skyline Wilderness Park
Southeast Napa Foothills • Rugged Oak Woodland With Bay Views • Best Overall Hiking Hub
A local workhorse of a park with enough mileage and variety to keep both casual walkers and seasoned hikers happy.
Skyline’s network of trails climbs quickly out of the valley floor into rolling hills with wide views over vineyards and, on clear days, out toward San Pablo Bay. You can stitch together mellow loops around the lower ponds or tackle steeper routes like the Lake Marie Road and Skyline Trail for a solid workout. Expect a true backcountry feel just minutes from town, with exposed ridges, shaded creek draws, and plenty of wildflowers in spring.
02
Best for easy loops
Alston Park
North Napa • Open Grassland And Dog-Friendly Meadows • Best Dog-Friendly Option
Gently rolling dirt paths, big-sky views, and an off-leash area make this the easiest place to stretch your legs close to town.
Alston Park is where locals go for a quick sunset loop or to let the dog burn off some energy without leaving the city. The main trail network winds through open meadows and low hills, with views that sweep across rooftops to the surrounding vineyards and Mayacamas range. It’s not remote or technical, but the easy grades, soft footing, and relaxed vibe are hard to beat for an everyday hike or jog.
03
Best shady escape
Westwood Hills Park
West Napa, Near Downtown • Shaded Canyon And Hillside Forest • Quick In-Town Escape
Short, steep trails wind through oak and bay forest to ridge viewpoints, offering a cool, woodsy break right on the edge of downtown.
Westwood Hills is compact but surprisingly immersive, with narrow trails that climb through dense trees and cross small seasonal streams. Expect a bit of huffing and puffing on the way up, then rewarding peeks over the city and out to the valley once you hit the higher benches and clearings. It’s a go-to choice for locals who want a real hike in under an hour without getting in the car for a long drive.
04
Best classic state park feel
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park
Between St. Helena And Calistoga • Redwood Creek Canyon And Mixed Forest • Best Classic State-Park Experience
Cool redwood groves, a year-round creek, and well-signed trails deliver an old-school state-park hiking experience right in the middle of the valley.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park trades vineyard views for towering trees and the sound of running water along Ritchey Creek. Trails range from mellow creekside strolls to longer loops that climb into the surrounding hills, giving you options on hot days or when you want more elevation. With picnic spots, shade, and a quiet, away-from-it-all feel, it’s a natural base for a half-day hike before or after visiting nearby wineries.
05
Best big-view challenge
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
North Of Calistoga On Hwy 29 • High-Elevation Volcanic Ridges And Summit Climbs • Best Challenge And Big Views
A demanding, rocky climb toward Mount St. Helena rewards committed hikers with some of the widest panoramas in the North Bay.
From the trailhead above Calistoga, the route through Robert Louis Stevenson State Park wastes little time gaining elevation as it switchbacks through forest and out onto open, volcanic slopes. The higher you go, the more the vistas open up, eventually taking in Lake County peaks, the Napa and Sonoma valleys, and on exceptionally clear days even the distant Sierra. Come prepared for a real mountain-style outing with limited shade, uneven footing, and a satisfying sense of accomplishment at the top.