Explore The Natural Beauty Of California's Napa Valley At A Must-Visit State Park

When you hear Napa Valley, your mind probably swirls with images of world-class wineries, Michelin-starred meals, and leisurely afternoons spent sipping Cabernet Sauvignon under golden California skies. Napa has long been the crown jewel of California wine country. But alongside the sparkle and swirl of the wine glass lies something more rugged, natural, and equally unforgettable: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park.

Nestled in the northern stretch of the valley, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park's nearly 2,000 acres invites visitors to swap stemware for sturdy shoes and tasting menus for trail snacks. Or pair your love of wine with a splash of adventure. This scenic gem weaves together over 10 miles of pathways, including a lengthy chunk of the in-the-works Napa Valley Vine Trail, through forests of coastal redwoods, tanoak, Douglas-fir, and madrone trees.

The park also boasts a spring-fed swimming pool for cooling off, a horseshoe pit for friendly rivalries, picnic tables, even a History Trail. In Napa, adventure proves to be just as intoxicating as the wine. And nobody said you can't sample some wines on your trip to the area (just save those leftover wine corks for your compost pile). You can even save the empty wine bottles and repurpose them into a wind chime as a trip keepsake.

If you measure your adventures in miles, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park has plenty to offer hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and bikers. The Ritchey Canyon trail — part of the South Fork and Spring Trail network — is an 8-mile round trip, carrying you deep into the heart of the park along routes shaded by redwoods and tanoaks. For a steeper challenge, the 1.5-mile Coyote Peak Trail climbs 500 feet to a 1,170-foot ridge with sweeping views of the valley. The 1.2-mile History Trail mixes hiking with heritage, leading you past a pioneer cemetery and an historic Bale Grist Mill. For a gentler stroll, hit the Redwood Trail offers looping through fern-draped canyons, along trickling creeks. While the  1.4-mile Vineyard Trail is a local favorite, especially in spring when it bursts with colorful blooms, a portion of the 8.2-mile stretch of Napa Valley's Vine Trail skirts the northeastern end of the park. The Vine Trail will eventually connect several segments in a continuous 47-mile walk or bike. For now, this segment runs from the north end of St. Helena to Calistoga, with Bothe-Napa Valley State Park along the way.

When the sun dips low and it's time to stay the night, Bothe-Napa Valley State Park gives campers multiple options. Classic campsites welcome tents and RVs, while tucked-away walk-in sites offer a bit more solitude for those who like their morning coffee with birdsong instead of traffic. Anyone craving a little extra comfort can check into one of the park's rustic yurts or newly refurbished cabins, ideal for glampers who like a kitchen and a private bathroom close at hand. Whether you're bedding down beneath the stars or curling up in a cabin, don't forget these must-haves for your camping trip.