Tiny Hike, Mighty View

Hidden Timberhill Park in Napa

Short hike, sweet views—sure thing! And a bonus: It’s right in Napa. Nestled in the beautiful Browns Valley neighborhood, Timberhill Park is a hidden gem, and a fall hike here hits the high note because you get to a gorgeous panorama on a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail.

Start off among oak trees before beginning a steady ascent with grassy rolling hills around you.

undefined

Soon you’re at the top—and wow—you usually have to hike a lot longer for such stunning views. Not here. Soak in Napa Valley’s rolling vineyards, with Mount Diablo and Mount Tamalpais backing the scenery.

undefined

On clear days you’ll easily see the bay. Think big picture.

BONUS WINE: About a 15-minute drive west from Timberhill, Artesa cannot be beat for its stunning hilltop setting overlooking rolling vineyards, with far-stretching views across San Pablo Bay (the Amy Poehler Netflix movie Wine Country used Artesa as their backdrop setting). The wines are equally standout: small-batch, artisanal, and inspired by the family’s Spanish heritage. We like their Albarino and Pinot.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

    View
  2. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View
  3. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View
  4. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View
  2. Hot, Wet, and Wild!

    At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, you can soak up a primeval landscape that’s amazingly close to Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395—it just feels a few geological epochs away.

    View
  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

    View
  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View