Hike Napa's Skyline!

Hike Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa Valley

05.30.2019

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. Bike to Aardvark Beach

    Two wheels, a fresh sea breeze, birds, and a beach stop: now that's a California bike ride. Pack a beach blanket and set out on this 16-mile out-and-back pedal along the San Francisco Bay to Aardvark Beach.

    View

  2. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View
  3. Woman on Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes at Death Valley National Park

    Starry Night & Dark Sky Adventures

    You don’t have to stay out all that late to experience eminent stargazing at Death Valley National Park. The park's been given the highest ranking of darkness by the International Dark Sky Association. From ranger-led to self-guided adventures, here are a few amazing ways to witness the mesmerizing night sky at Death Valley.

    View

  4. Eat, Explore, Repeat: Point Reyes Station

    It’s small and laid-back, but Point Reyes Station is a standout gateway to Point Reyes National Seashore. Fresh food, cool culture, and an unfussy vibe are part of the draw.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Garland in Bloom

    Carmel Valley is known for its quaint wineries and scenic hiking trails. Enjoy both on this 3.75-mile loop through Garland Ranch Regional Park.

    View
  2. Sponsored

    No Limits Family Trip: Reno Tahoe

    What if your next family getaway didn’t come with a set agenda—just the freedom to go where the day takes you? Find yourselves in Reno Tahoe, a land of no limits and plenty of outdoor bounty.

    View

  3. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

    View

  4. Griffith’s Glow

    Griffith J. Griffith believed that people gained an enlightened perspective on life when looking at the skies. So true! Especially when you gaze upon a glorious LA sunset and moonrise from Griffith Observatory, which also hosts space-themed events and star parties.

    View