Valentine Vista Loop

Hike Valentine Vista Loop in Moore Creek Park Napa

04.07.2021
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. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View

  2. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View

  3. Rio Del Mar-velous

    Rio Del Mar State Beach in Aptos might be one of the best places for a treasure hunt. Its location between two other beaches makes for a good stroll featuring a spectacle of wildlife as you search the sand for sea glass and seashells.

    View
  4. Hiker taking a photo of sunset at Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve

    Sunshine and Skyline

    Head to Russian Ridge Open Space Preserve for a 4-mile out-and-back hike on the Bay Area Ridge Trail that offers a front-row seat to spectacular sunsets.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Walking the Los Angeles River Trail Through Frogtown

    Frogtown Strutter’s Stroll

    Don’t go dismissing the Los Angeles River as merely a 51-mile concrete channel. It’s a genuine urban artery that links real neighborhoods, and its riverside bike/ped paths endear i

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View

  3. Griffith's Golden

    With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.

    View

  4. Ernie's Walk

    Stretching 51 miles from Canoga Park to Long Beach, the Los Angeles River has no shortage of walkways to enjoy. One segment that is particularly special is Ernie’s Walk in Sherman Oaks, a 0.3-mile stretch that is a delight to visit, and pay respect to its inspiration.

    View