Outdoor Recreation
Are you ready to take a hike? We’ve put together a list of 3 top trails for hiking in Calistoga, CA. Fancy equipment is not necessary to go for a walk or a hike. A sturdy pair of shoes or boots are all you need to get outside and move through the meadows and forests. Grab a water bottle for the first hike, or consider a day pack with snacks and hydration for the longer walks! Our list reveals some of the highlights of Calistoga area hikes giving the opportunity to enjoy local flora and fauna, scenery, and peaks. While far from comprehensive, this list shares some of our favorites. We hope it whets your appetite for many more future trips.
The Petrified Forest
Mild to moderate terrain
The Petrified Forest has two trails: the main and the meadow. The main trail is a loop, and the meadow trail is out and back. Each is about half a mile long. The trails are uneven, so watch out for loose rocks and roots. At the end of the meadow trail, views of Mt. Saint Helena fill the scenery. You’ll get to see examples of petrified redwood trees. The volcano’s eruption started the process of the petrification of the trees. They’re open every day from 9 to 5, and admission is $12 per person.
The History and Vineyard Trails
Moderate because of longer trails
Within Bothe Napa-Valley State Park there are several paths. The History Trail is marked as an easy walk and gives you a look at some of the area’s history. The trail begins with a pioneer cemetery. A step up is the Vineyard Trail. As the site mentions, people often choose this trail for the scenery and a place to jog or run. Several more courses throughout the state park cater to the outdoor spirit. The Ritchey Canyon trail is one of the longest; you’ll get an 8-mile hike following this footpath. A map of the park’s trails is available for your convenience.
The Stevenson Memorial Trail
Moderate to challenging 10-mile hike
Can we have a favorite? This trail, in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, is absolutely exhilarating. Take this hike on cooler days, for some exposed patches along the way would have you hoping for shade. The author of Treasure Island also wrote about his honeymoon detailing this hike in Silverado Squatters. In 1880, Stevenson and his wife hiked these same areas, and you’ll find the Stevenson Memorial a little over a half mile in.
There are switchbacks on this hike to help preserve the path, and we encourage you to avoid the shortcuts people have added. These shortcuts only encourage erosion of the soil and rocks. Close to a mile in, the trail comes to a “T” with the Mount St. Helena trail. Turn left, and you will be rewarded with the summit climb. Enjoy views of Lake Berryessa, North and South Peaks, Mount Diablo, glimpses of San Francisco, and much more. This hike will fill you with inspiration and a great day of exercise.
After reading our top 3 hiking trails in Calistoga, CA, you’ll be packing those socks and boots for the trip! While it didn’t make it to our list, we need to mention an extreme hiking trail. We know some of you are thrill seekers! The Palisades Trail fills the need for a challenge.
No matter what hike you choose, you know we’ll have your room ready for a good night’s sleep after a bath! The fresh, clear air will fill the lungs and prepare you for sweet dreams during your next stay at the Calistoga Wine Way Inn or Craftsman Inn.
Publishing October 2022
Filed under: Outdoor Recreation by Olivia Kite
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Run. Sip. Savor.
It’s that time of year! The Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon are coming to Calistoga this spring, and you won’t want to miss your chance to enjoy luxury accommodations while you pursue running excellence. Whether this is your first long-distance run or you are an accomplished marathoner, the Napa Valley Race is a one-of-a-kind way to earn that coveted 26.2 sticker. The race follows along the Silverado Trail and is world-renowned for good reason – you will pass by some of the most beautiful countrysides in the United States. Your running spirit will stay high with scenic vineyards, time-worn farmhouses, and the unmatched Napa Valley air lightening each step.
Race Information
The race begins at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2020. With a net downhill of about 250 feet, this race is ideal for those wishing to qualify for the Boston Marathon in April. Though many experienced runners participate, this race is welcoming to runners of all skill levels, including those who prefer a half marathon or a 5K.
The race itself has twelve aid stations along the full marathon route, with water and Nunn readily available as you progress. Both the women’s and men’s winners (and in both the full and half-marathon) will receive an etched double magnum as well as a Napa Valley Collective case, which is a 12-bottle selection of the finest wines in the valley. Not quite fast enough to come in first place? You can still enjoy champagne to celebrate your accomplishment back in your room or on our multi-level redwood deck.
The Luxury Accommodations Every Runner Deserves
No matter your race length, the Calistoga Wine Way Inn and Craftsman Inn are the right place to lace up the night before and an even better place to celebrate after. Of course, if you’re here to cheer on your runner and aren’t racing yourself, there’s no better place to sip a glass of local wine and unwind while you hear all about the beautiful memories they made on their run. Finally, take a much-deserved rest as you tuck in between your sheets, with no concerns for the bustle and crowds at other, less intimate lodgings. Book your stay with us now for this exciting race!
Filed under: Area Events, Outdoor Recreation by acorn
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Whether you’re an avid mountain biker or you consider yourself a beginner who just wants a unique way to explore the Napa Valley area, there’s a path for you in this beautiful region. Mountain vistas, river valley views, and wildlife sightings await you on these scenic singletracks. Keep in mind that many of these trails are shared with hikers and equestrians, so stay alert during your ride.
- Skyline Wilderness Park: This park offers seven different mountain biking trails ranging from intermediate to advanced skill level. The shortest is a mere half-mile, while the longest is four miles.
- Lynch Canyon and Newell Open Spaces: Enjoy a quick, easy ride on Lynch Road or delve deeper into the open space by traveling through the Lynch Canyon Loop and onto the Prairie Ridge Trail for extra difficulty.
- Moore Creek Park: The scenery and wildlife take center stage at this beautiful park that offers several miles of singletrack on the Moore Creek Trail, Valentine Vista Trail, and Chiles Creek Trail.
- Oat Hill Mine Trail: This much-loved trail is in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and is a 16.6-mile out-and-back trail. Challenging terrain and technical rocky climbs make this a fun ride for advanced riders.
- Las Posadas Forest: Take the 3.5-mile short loop trail for an intermediate experience. The path is well-shaded, making this a great trip for a warm, sunny day.
- Annadel State Park: This park has a lot to offer to mountain bikers. All ranges of skills and abilities will find an enjoyable ride here. For an easy path, try the Warren Richardson Trail. For a longer, more challenging, technical ride, try the Great Big Annadel Loop which clocks in at 22.7 miles.
Local Bike Shops You’ll Want to Visit
If you need to rent your bike and gear or need any other assistance, we recommend these local shops:
Check out Calistoga Bike Shop’s guided tours if you’re wanting expert-level mountain biking guidance and easy trail-side repairs. Also, make sure to read our other post about the best ways to explore Napa Valley by bike. We love hosting you for whatever outdoor adventures you plan to have. Our gourmet breakfasts will power you for the road ahead, and there’s just nothing quite like coming back to our inn and our comfortable, cozy rooms after a day of shredding. Book your stay today to see all that the beautiful Napa Valley has to offer!
Filed under: Outdoor Recreation by acorn
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Discover the beauty of Napa Valley by hopping on a bicycle and hitting the open road. Whether you never leave home without your own bike, or you need to rent one, we’ve got you covered with this list of ideas to explore and places that will support your ride.
The crown jewel of cycling in Napa Valley is the Napa Valley Vine Trail. It’s an expansive project undertaken by the Napa Valley Vine Trail Coalition, aiming to connect all of Napa Valley from Calistoga to Vallejo. Right now it has 12.5 completed miles of trail, but 47 miles are planned or are currently under construction. Although the trail does not connect directly to local wineries, there are some that are quite close (within a mile or so) that require a short ride on roads with bike lanes or wide shoulders. This trail is a great way to cover a lot of ground, poke around valley towns, and see many gorgeous vistas along the way.
If you’d prefer the guided approach, Napa Valley Bike Tours is just the ticket. They can set you up with a bike rental and offer guided tours through the valley for all different ability levels. They also provide a comprehensive map of the area to guide your plans. If you’re an experienced cyclist looking for a challenge, they have suggested routes that are sure to get your blood pumping. If you’re less experienced or would rather take things slow, they have casual routes that provide a more leisurely pace. Consider renting an e-bike to cover more ground with less effort (and sweat!). Napa Valley Bike Tours has a wide selection of choices for whatever journey you’re hoping to take.
Calistoga Bike Shop offers a unique experience if you’re looking to include wine tastings in your day. You can choose between bringing a guide along with you to carry your stuff so you get to just pedal and enjoy the ride; or you can opt for a self-guided tour that still takes a lot of the hassle out of planning, because they will cover your tasting fees and will pick up any wine you buy so you won’t have to bike it back with you. Calistoga Bike Shop also offers hourly and daily rentals to suit whatever adventures you have planned.
Cycling is just one of the many ways to enjoy the beautiful Napa Valley. We’d love to help you include this healthy, earth-friendly mode of transportation to your stay with us. And there’s nothing like our breakfasts to fuel you for the road ahead! Book a room and see why we are the very best in Napa Valley!
Filed under: Outdoor Recreation, Things To Do, Wineries by acorn
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Stay three nights before June 30th, 2023