Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Hike to the summit of Mount Saint Helena for stunning Napa Valley views, exploring rugged terrain and historical literary connections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
Best Time
Wildflowers bloom beautifully
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike to the summit of Mount Saint Helena for stunning Napa Valley views, exploring rugged terrain and historical literary connections.
"Great hike! Challenging steep creek bed with amazing views."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small lot fills fast! Aim for early morning, especially on weekends, or expect a longer walk. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
Trails are rugged and rocky. Proper footwear is crucial for navigating the terrain safely. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mount Saint Helena Summit
Mount Saint Helena Trail
Hike to the highest point in the Mayacamas Mountains for breathtaking panoramic views of Napa Valley and beyond.
Table Rock Trail
Table Rock Trail
A challenging 4.4-mile trek featuring a unique rock labyrinth and stunning vistas, rewarding hikers with expansive valley views.
Silverado Mine Cave
Near Mount Saint Helena Trail
Explore a narrow cave near an old mine, offering a unique and slightly adventurous detour for curious hikers.
Wildflower Displays
Various Trails
During spring, the park bursts with color, especially California poppies, creating a picturesque hiking experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Trail Preparedness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small lot fills fast! Aim for early morning, especially on weekends, or expect a longer walk. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
Trails are rugged and rocky. Proper footwear is crucial for navigating the terrain safely. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes like Table Rock. Dehydration is a real risk. :droplet:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential icy spots on higher trails. :cloud:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
The small lot fills fast! Aim for early morning, especially on weekends, or expect a longer walk. :car:
🥾 Sturdy Hiking Shoes Needed
Trails are rugged and rocky. Proper footwear is crucial for navigating the terrain safely. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Hydration is Key
Bring plenty of water, especially for longer hikes like Table Rock. Dehydration is a real risk. :droplet:
🧥 Dress in Layers
Weather can change. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential icy spots on higher trails. :cloud:
🗺️ Trail Signage Check
Some signs, especially for Table Rock, can be missing. Pay attention to forks and smaller trails. :compass:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking views and challenging, rewarding hikes at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The rugged terrain and potential for icy patches require careful preparation, and the small parking lot is a common point of frustration, necessitating early arrival. Despite these challenges, the park's natural beauty and historical significance make it a highly recommended destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
"Great hike! Challenging steep creek bed. Some signs directing you to Table Rock are missing-from parking lot off of highway-follow fist sign up short hill. At first fork, make a left and go all the way up, past view point. As you ascend, look up for a singular fence post. This is another fork in the road (did not notice until we heard voices), make a right up the smaller trail. We think we made it to table rock-large, flat rock."
Erika Steiner
"There are many trails that you can go on at this state park. Like many have mentioned, the parking lot is rather small and so it's best to arrive early. The parking lot can fill up and in that case, you will have to park farther down and walk to the trailhead. The earlier you start your hike, the more likely it wil be that you find parking, especially if you are going on a weekend. There are no bathrooms near the parking lot. There is also not a parking fee.
We took the Table Rock Trail, which is about 4.4 miles total. It had amazing views. The trail has a rock labyrinth along the way that was fun to see. The trail is very rugged with lots of rocks the father you hike up this trail so come prepared with lots of water, hiking shoes, and dress in layers. The views from the top were amazing. There were areas with ice on the trail so be careful when hiking.
There is a more popular trail to Mount Saint Helena that is very popular as well. We have not taken that trail yet, although plan to in the future. We will definitely be back at this state park and look forward to exploring the other trails."
Katrina
"This place is absolutely magical! Great views and awesome terrain!"
CasedGod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is located near Calistoga, California. Access is typically via Highway 29. The main trailhead parking lot is small and can fill up quickly, so arriving early is highly recommended. If the lot is full, you may need to park further down the road and walk to the trailhead.
Public transportation options directly to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park are limited. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle or ride-sharing service.
From Calistoga, head north on Highway 29. The park entrance and trailhead parking will be accessible from the highway. Keep an eye out for signage.
There is no parking fee for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, which is a great perk for visitors.
While some trails are well-marked, others may have missing signage. Using a reliable trail map app on your phone or carrying a physical map is advisable.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Entry and parking are free.
State parks in California generally operate from sunrise to sunset. It's always a good idea to check the official California State Parks website for the most current hours.
Advance booking is not required for hiking in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. It's a first-come, first-served access situation, especially for parking.
Generally, there are no specific entry restrictions beyond standard park rules. However, during peak times, the small parking lot can reach capacity, effectively limiting entry.
Yes, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is generally accessible year-round. However, trail conditions can vary with seasons, with potential for ice in winter and heat in summer.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most popular trails include the hike to the summit of Mount Saint Helena and the Table Rock Trail. Both offer challenging terrain and rewarding views.
There are no bathrooms located directly at the main parking lot. Visitors should plan accordingly and use facilities before arriving or be prepared for backcountry conditions.
Expect rugged and rocky terrain, especially on trails like Table Rock. Some sections can be steep and challenging, requiring sturdy footwear.
Absolutely! The summit of Mount Saint Helena offers panoramic views, and the Table Rock Trail provides stunning vistas of the Napa Valley.
Yes, there are areas with interesting rock formations where rock climbing is observed.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for landscape photography. Spring also provides opportunities for capturing wildflowers.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive valley views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions.
The summit of Mount Saint Helena provides iconic panoramic shots. The rock labyrinth on the Table Rock Trail also offers unique photographic opportunities.
The small parking lot can mean arriving in less-than-ideal light. The rugged terrain requires careful footing, and changing weather conditions can impact visibility.
Drone usage in California State Parks is generally restricted. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and California State Parks before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For families with younger children or those seeking a less strenuous experience, it's advisable to research shorter, flatter trails if available, or consider visiting during seasons with milder weather. Always pack plenty of snacks and water, and be aware that there are no restrooms at the main parking lot.
🚶♀️ Solo Hikers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Be prepared for variable weather and challenging terrain when accessing prime photo spots.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking Trails for Every Level
For a different kind of adventure, the Table Rock Trail is a 4.4-mile loop that presents its own set of challenges with its rugged, rocky terrain. Along this path, you'll encounter a unique rock labyrinth, adding an element of discovery to your hike. The views from Table Rock are equally impressive, offering a different perspective of the valley.
While the park is known for its more demanding trails, shorter, less strenuous options may be available, though less frequently highlighted. It's always wise to consult park maps or local ranger information for the most up-to-date trail conditions and difficulty ratings. Remember to always wear appropriate footwear and carry sufficient water, regardless of the trail's length.
The Legacy of Robert Louis Stevenson
+1During his stay, Stevenson resided in a small cabin on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena. It was here that he wrote portions of 'The Silverado Squatters,' a memoir detailing his experiences living in the Napa Valley. The park preserves the natural beauty that so captivated him, offering visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of this literary giant.
+1While the original cabin is no longer standing, the park's name and the surrounding environment serve as a constant reminder of his connection to this place. Hikers can reflect on his famous quote, 'Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others,' as they tackle the trails.
Navigating Parking and Trail Conditions
Beyond parking, understanding the trail conditions is vital for a safe and enjoyable hike. Many trails, such as the Table Rock Trail, are described as rugged and rocky, with significant elevation changes. Some reviewers have noted missing trail signs, making navigation a bit tricky at times.
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