Hike Napa's Skyline!

Hike Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa Valley

Bottles of wine aren't the only things popping in Napa. Right now the wildflowers are popping, too! Get in a 4-mile (round-trip) hike packed with wildflowers and wonderful views. Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa Valley is nestled within a few minutes’ drive of bustling Oxbow Public Market.

The park’s 850 acres of wilderness area is managed by a nonprofit, and the frills come courtesy of nature’s seasonal gifts; in springtime that means wildflowers! Currently the trails are fringed with baby blue eyes, buttercups, and some popcorn blooms. This hike starts on Buckeye Trail, making a gradual ascent among oaks and manzanitas, with a few wide-open views to the Mayacamas Mountains. Continue on the trail until you reach the Skyline Trail intersection, which connects at a plateau festooned by poppies. Enjoy the expansive view to downtown Napa all the way to the bay before descending sharply on the Skyline Trail to finish.

BONUS FOOD & BEER: It’s about a 10-minute drive from Skyline Wilderness Park to bustling Oxbow Public Market. Oxbow’s got plenty of artisan food and drink options, from organic coffee and kombucha drinks to the comfort foods of fried chicken and shakes at Taylor’s Refresher. Grab a patio seat at Fieldwork Brewing Company, and try the Hazy Glue pale ale or the staff favorite In Bloom (back by popular demand).

No dogs at Skyline Wilderness Park. Patio seating at Oxbow Public Market is dog-friendly!

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View
  2. Roaring Redwoods

    Tucked next to brilliant Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in Santa Cruz, the folks at Roaring Camp Railroads had a bright idea: When the sun goes down, the rainbow lights come up. Sequoias at Night brings big magic to some of the tallest trees in the world.

    View
  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View
  4. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View
  2. Pretty View Campground

    Situated at 8,300 feet near the summit of Mount Pinos, Chula Vista is the best stargazing spot within two hours of the bright Los Angeles lights.

    View
  3. Shimmering Paddle

    Uniquely situated where the Russian River meets the rugged Pacific coast, Jenner is a shining star of kayaking destinations. It’s even better on a guided paddle at sunset, under a full moon, or during peak bioluminescent season.

    View
  4. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

    View