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Saint Helena, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Saint Helena, California offer a range of top outdoor adventures. The Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a must-visit for hiking aficionados. Its five-mile trail to the summit of Mount St. Helena provides panoramic views of Napa Valley and beyond. The trail is moderately difficult with steep inclines, rock formations, and dense forests. For a less strenuous hike, the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park has a scenic trail that passes by a historic water-powered mill. Near Saint Helena, Lake Berryessa offers boating and fishing opportunities. Its shoreline is dotted with picnic spots, perfect for a relaxing day out. These outdoor activities make Saint Helena a top destination for those seeking outdoor adventures.

Top Spots in and near Saint Helena

  • Calistoga, California

    Camp at Bothe-Napa Valley SP

    4.5
    Looking for a romantic getaway but you’d prefer to spend your nights around a campfire? This adventure is for you. This beautiful Napa Valley campground has it all – 10 miles of hiking trails, 1,900 acres to explore, and…new yurts! Yurts are basically cool circular tents that allow you enjoy the ...
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  • Saint Helena, California

    Hike Bald Mountain, Sugarloaf Ridge SP

    5.0
    6 mi / 1540 ft gain
    Park at the top of Adobe Canyon Road in the gravel parking lot to the left of the ranger kiosk. There is a $7.00 parking fee.There are many options for routes to the top; the easiest of which is mostly paved (although still steep in parts). To take this route, head north out of the trailhead park...
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  • Kenwood, California

    Pony Gate-Canyon Loop

    4.0
    2.17 mi / 568 ft gain
    The Pony Gate-Canyon Loop within Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a new favorite of mine on my list of family and kid-friendly hikes. Our little girls did great with this hike and loved it. If you can get moving early in the day and begin your hike around breakfast time, you might find there are few...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Gunsight Rock via Hood Mountain Trail

    5.0
    7.91 mi / 2372 ft gain
    Hike to Gunsight Rock through Hood Mountain Regional Park to get a view overlooking Sonoma and Napa Valley. In order to get to the trailhead take Highway 12 to Los Alamos Rd, the road will then turn into Timberline Dr, this will take you to the trailhead. There is a parking fee of $8. From the p...
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  • Saint Helena, California

    Hike the Lake Hennessey Loop

    5.0
    6.4 mi / 900 ft gain
    The "lollipop" hike starts at the "Ranch House" parking lot off of Chiles Pope Valley Road - alternatively, you can access from Conn Valley Road for a shortened 5.6-mile loop. You turn off Chiles Pope Valley Road onto Moore Creek Trail, drive past a private house (you can see it on the map) and t...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Hood Mountain Summit Via Lower and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails

    5.95 mi / 2054 ft gain
    Hood Mountain Summit via the Lower Johnson and Upper Johnson Ridge Trails is a 6 mile out-and-back trek located in Santa Rosa, CA. The trailhead starts at the Pythian Road parking lot, accessed from Highway 12. The hike takes 3.5 to 4 hours to complete and is considered strenuous. All trails are...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Hike the Oat Hill Mine Trail

    5.0
    8.3 mi
    The incline on this trail begins pretty much right away and is fairly gradual for the entire hike, some of it is quite rocky, making this an easy to moderate level hike. However, with some shade (probably wouldn't attempt it on a hot summer day) and the sweeping views of the valley that get bette...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Hike Bald Hill in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

    3.2 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Bald Hill is the first serious peak/summit that can be reached via the Oat Hill Mine Trail as it breaks from the more popular loop and heads into the heart of Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. To get there you can either begin at the less frequently used trailhead at Picket and Rosedale Roads he...
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  • Yountville, California

    Bike the Napa Valley Wine Trail

    12.5 mi / 100 ft gain
    The Napa Vally Vine Trail is an ongoing project of the Napa Valley Vine Coalition which has the stated goal of creating a 47 mile long bike trail along the entire length of Napa Valley. Currently 12.5 miles of trail is available between downtown Yountville and Kennedy Park in the city of Napa. Yo...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Hiking, Swimming, and Fishing in Wine Country

    5.0
    Annadel State Park is located in the historic Valley of the Moon, just 60 miles north of San Francisco, in Sonoma. This popular 5,200 acre park features a wonderful variety of options to explore, boasting views of the Sonoma Valley, rolling meadows of wildflowers, and direct access to 26 acre Lak...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail

    4.0
    2.48 mi / 289 ft gain
    Corridor Ridge Loop Trail is a loop trail where you may see wildflowers located near Glen Ellen, California.
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Sonoma Ridge Trail

    9.2 mi / 1955 ft gain
    Sonoma Ridge Trail is a beautiful 9.2-mile out-and-back hike located near Glen Ellen, California. This hike is moderately difficult, with about 1955 feet in elevation change. 95% of the trail is covered in forest shade. Important Notes:Bikes and Horses are permitted on the trails. Dogs are NOT p...
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  • Glen Ellen, California

    Wolf House in Jack London SP

    There is a museum in "The House of Happy Walls" which Mrs. London built in redwood grove find park information, exhibits and a small sales area there. A nearby trail leads to Jack London’s grave and to the remains of "Wolf House," London’s dream house which was destroyed by fire in 1913. The par...
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  • Calistoga, California

    Hike Mount Saint Helena

    4.3
    10 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Drive north from Napa following Rt 29, through Calistoga and up into the forest. After passing the sign for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, and just over the crest, there is a parking area on the right side of the road, opposite the trailhead on the left. Parking fills up by mid-morning so get...
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  • Santa Rosa, California

    Taylor Mountain Loop

    4.2
    1.5 mi / 1000 ft gain
    From the northern entrance to the park, you can access an 18-hole disc golf course as well as a number of trails. The Eastern Trail takes you up a steep 1,000 feet to the top of Taylor Mountain, where you can see most of Sonoma County laid out before you. Mt. St. Helena is visible in the distance...
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  • Napa, California

    Alston Park Loop Trail

    2.76 mi / 184 ft gain
    Alston Park Loop Trail, located in Napa, California, is a 2.76-mile loop trail that offers a moderate level of difficulty for hikers. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and running and is accessible year-round. The trail is well-maintained and clearly marked, making it suitable for ...
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Camping and Lodging in Saint Helena

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)
Napa, California

Oak Shores Day Use Area (Ca)

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA
Petaluma, California

San Francisco North / Petaluma KOA

AutoCamp Russian River
Guerneville, California

AutoCamp Russian River

From $149 / night

Warm Springs Rec Area
Geyserville, California

Warm Springs Rec Area

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA
Cloverdale, California

Cloverdale / Healdsburg KOA

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)
Liberty Glen Campground

Liberty Glen (Lake Sonoma)

Guides, Insights and Stories from Saint Helena

The Emerald Valley: 72 Hours of Food & Adventure in Napa Valley, Winter/Spring Edition

The Emerald Valley: 72 Hours of Food & Adventure in Napa Valley, Winter/Spring Edition

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Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

Black Diamond Men's Momentum Climbing Shoes Review

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Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

Escape to Marin for a Winter Weekend Getaway

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5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

5 Backpacking Adventures North of San Francisco in Marin County

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4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

4 Paddling Adventures in Marin County

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Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

Beyond the Trail: 5 Unique Adventures in Marin County

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