A 5.1 mile long well graded dirt road leads to the multiple summits of Mount Saint Helena, an extinct volcano, not to be confused with its similarly sounding neighbor in Washington state. Spectacular views. The access road joins the hiking trail after about a mile of shaded climbing up the forested north side before switchbacking south to the first of many spectacular views. Most of the route from hereon is up through chapparal. Plan your trip for milder seasons or early or late in the day. Several long switchbacks climb steadily past rock outcrops till the first saddle at 3800', a 1600' climb. Turn left at the junction to climb the treeless but tower prickled south summit. From here the middle summit is visible, eclipsing the westernmost and highest point. The road drops slightly and then climbs, leading past an intersection leading to the middle summit and the narrow, steeply sided north ridge. The final climb to the 4343' west peak ascends through some much appreciated trees and the final climb is the roughest part of the otherwise nicely graded and unrutted road that has led to this point. From the top the steep escarpment that makes Mount. St. Helena's profile so distinct is evident. Enjoy the descent.

Getting There

At the north end of the Napa Valley, The first town to the south is Calistoga. From the north, Middletown is the last town when coming from the Clear Lake area. Highway 29 north up out of Napa Valley is a steep windy road with no shoulder and plenty of blind curves up out of Calistoga. Do not begin at the signed entrance to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park at the highway's summit. The unsigned access road to the mountain's many telecommunication facilities begins about 1/4 mile north of the high point of State Highway 29. Limited parking on the east side of the road.

Red Tape

No bike riding on trails, stick to the fire road in the state park. Open sunrise to sunset, though the open terrain and spectacular views make a moonlight ascent tempting.

External Links

Robert Louis Stevenson State Park Where Mt. St. Helena is located
Bothe Napa State Park Nearest state park campground
Related article on hiking Tom Stienstra, S.F. Chronicle's outdoor writer describes the ascent for hikers.

Camping

No camping in this State Park. Nearby campgrounds at Bothe Napa State park, 4 miles south of Calistoga. Harbin Hot Springs and various resorts in Calistoga and nearby provide cushier accomadations.