Valentine Vista Loop

Hike Valentine Vista Loop in Moore Creek Park Napa

Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass

{MARCH 2024 UPDATE: Due to recent storms, before going to the park, please check ahead for weather forecasts, along with trail status and conditions; trails can be muddy and have debris or unexpected hazards; exercise good judgement and caution.}

With a name like Valentine Vista Trail, it’s hard not to wax poetic about the brilliance of 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.)

Woman standing in a field of wildflowers at Valentine Vista Loop Trail in Moore Creek Park Napa

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.

Woman hiking along the high point of Valentine Vista Loop in Napa Moore Creek Park

Book a 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).

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

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Talk of the Town

    We're spilling the tea on this bountiful 5.5-mile loop to Gossip Rock in Hayward’s Garin Regional Park (currently whispering all the right springtime notes).

    View
  2. Swing into Spring

    Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.

    View
  3. The Carson Show

    Carson Falls is ready for primetime. This three-tiered, 100-foot stunner is hidden back in a canyon outside of Fairfax and reached on a 3.25-mile (round-trip) hike.

    View
  4. woman kneeling and signing peak book at Mount Olympia in Mount Diablo State Park

    Double Up on Diablo

    Set the tone for 2024 with this twofer summit hike at Mount Diablo State Park. Embark on a 7-mile out-and-back up Mount Olympia and Diablo’s lesser-known summit, North Peak.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  2. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View
  3. Hikers by the reservoir at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks

    Triumphant in Triunfo

    Go on a hike with a peaceful reservoir, charming meadows, and beautiful spring blooms at Triunfo Creek Park near Thousand Oaks.

    View
  4. William Kenyon Overlook

    Some of the best vistas of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park are easily accessible via a short and sweet 1.25-mile (round-trip) hike just off the CA-78. Enter your next favorite desert viewpoint: the William Kenyon Overlook.

    View