Oat Hill Mine Road

The Oat Hill Mine Road is a choice venue for steep climbing and technical descents via mountain bike.The Oat Hill Mine Road once accessed mercury mines that were responsible for 1/3 of all the mercury production in the United State. The mines are now closed but the road remains, a reminder of the area’s past history.

The climbing on Oat Hill Mine Road is steep and technical, through rock gardens and up combinations of dirt road and bedrock. Once riders reach the turn around location at Aetna Springs Trailhead, the descent down the same roadway is challenging through the same maze of obstacles.

The Oat Hill Mine roadway is protected by tree canopy, which helps to keep it cool on hot summer days.

The Oat Hill Mine Road is multi-use and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Hikers are common on this ride. Riders should also carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and extra water and food. A map will come in handy due to the number of trails in the area and there is a seasonal closure of the upper part of this roadway.

From Calistoga take Highway 29 to the north side of town and the Silverado Trailhead. Parking is at the southeast corner of the intersection in a dirt lot.