Valentine Vista Loop

With a name like Valentine Vista Trail, it’s hard not to wax poetic this 4.3-mile hike hidden in the hills of Napa at Moore Creek Park. This hike is spectacular for views! Wildflowers are a colorful bonus in spring. (April is usually the month for the true bonanza of wildflowers, from cluster-lilies and sticky monkey to iris and absolutely spectacular blankets of our state flower, the California poppy.)

The hike begins alongside Moore Creek, meandering on a wide dirt trail. A gradual uphill takes you to the Valentine Vista Loop sign, where you’ll veer onto a singletrack weaving up a hillside in gentle switchbacks, under canopies of oak, and back out to the increasingly wider views of the valley and hills of Napa.

At the trail’s highest point you get to the absolute highlight of the hike—a wide and exposed ridgeline featuring stellar views of the deep valley, Lake Hennessey winking sunlight in the distance, and romantic rolling hills. After a long walk on the ridge, descend back to the creek. We heart Valentine Vista.

BONUS Wine Tasting: For a blend of down-to-earth hospitality and a fun ambience with panache, book a tasting at Raymond Vineyards. Their outdoor patio seating is lovely (and dog-friendly), and their Cabs delicious. Their Frenchie label, inspired by (you got it!) the winery’s affection for French bulldogs, is quirky and offers reasonable price points for those looking to have everday options (though the Frenchie Royale Red Blend is a splurge).

NOTE: Check temperatures before heading out and start early to avoid mid-day heat—especially on exposed hikes. Excessive heat can be dangerous for both people and dogs. Rattlesnakes are more active in warmer weather and may be present on trails, so stay aware of your surroundings and watch where you step.

Moore Creek Park: 2602 Chiles Pope Valley Rd. While parts of Moore Park are dog-friendly, the Valentine Loop trail does not allow dogs.