Through the Grapevine

Bike the Vine Trail to Yountville in Napa Valley

12.02.2020
Woman riding a bike on the the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

The idea seems fantastic: Cycle up California’s most famous wine valley—Napa Valley. The execution? It’s a bit more complicated with cars—until now. The Vine Trail is an ambitious project to connect Vallejo to Calistoga going through the heart of Napa Valley on a car-free biking and walking trail totaling 47 miles. So far, 12.5 miles are completed, going from Napa to Yountville.

We recommend starting from the Redwood Road trailhead and cycling north on the Oak Knoll Section. This beautiful and scenic stretch of paved trail parallels Highway 29, and for the first 2 miles you’ll be rolling through a north Napa residential area. But as soon as the houses give way, the vineyards move in, all amber and maple in the fall.

Woman biking on the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

Pedal through the famous Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley passing wineries including Laird Family Estate, Silenus Winery, and Domaine Chandon. After 6 easy miles of pedaling, you’re in Yountville, and your choices for lunch are numerous.

We suggest going all the way to the trail’s end to R+D Kitchen. It has a huge patio with several fire pits. Enjoy a salad or sushi or a burger—it’s eclectic and damn good. Just don’t hit the cab too hard; you still have to pedal back 6 miles.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST: In the episode "Covid Isn't Canceling the Outdoors (yet)" Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss their bike ride on the Vine Trail in Napa Valley.

Woman biking on the Vine Trail in Napa Valley

For a 13-mile ride (6.5 miles each way), start at the Redwood Rd. parking area (map). Follow the Vine Trail signs for 6.5 miles going north to Yountville. The Vine Trail is wheelchair accessible. Dog-friendly on the trail and at R+D Kitchen’s patio.

Trending Stories NorCal

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. 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. 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
  4. woman hiking the Mendocino Headlands State Park

    Heads Up, Headlands!

    There’s one thing that’s pretty much mandatory when you visit Mendocino and that’s a hike along the famous bluffs. The trail system at Mendocino Headlands State Park is vast, surrounding the village and meandering for miles, with sweeping sea panoramas.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. 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
  2. Sponsored

    Spring Up to These Amazing Events

    Shake it up, shake it all the way up to this sunniest city in the state for the most unique and fun-fueled events. Redding is true Northern California, surrounded by famous mountains, nearby national parks and recreation areas, and the sparkling Sacramento River.

    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. Hiker on a trail at George F Canyon Preserve in Ranchos Palos Verdes

    Secret Blooms

    See wildflowers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula via a 2-mile hike through the hidden 51-acre oasis of George F. Canyon Preserve, and a 1.25-mile hike in neighboring Linden H. Chandler Preserve. 

    View