Basics
- Location:
- Calistoga
- Length:
- 13 miles
- Aerobic Difficulty:
- Moderate
- Time To Allow:
- 3+ hours
- Trailhead Elevation:
- 2800 feet
- Elevation Range:
- 2800 feet to 4343 feet
- Elevation Change:
- 1543 feet
- Season:
- Year Round
Description
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a mountain biking gem in the heart of California wine country. Located on the flanks of Mt. St. Helena, Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is named for the famous writer who once lived here. The park is designated open space, encompassing almost 1000 acres of terrain.
The biking in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is mainly on old fire roadways that twist up the mountainside. A ride in the RLS State Park is not for the faint of hear or lung, with elevation gain of almost 2000 vertical feet over 7 miles. Once atop Mt. St. Helena, expansive views of the Napa Valley and as far away as Mt. Shasta open up as the ride traverses from the South Summit to the North Summit of the mountain.
The North Summit is the turn-around point on the ride. Steep climbing on the way up makes for an exhilarating return ride.
Details
Location:
Length:
Aerobic Difficulty:
Time To Allow:
Depends on fitness
Trailhead Elevation:
Rides up Mt. Helena
Elevation Range:
Elevation Change:
Season:
Additional Details:
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is multi-use and riders should understand and practice appropriate right of way protocol. Riders should also carry a first aid kit, bike repair kit and extra water and food.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
From Highway 101 North take the Black Point Forest/Highway 37 exit. Go left on Highway 37 and take to Highway 121. Turn left on Highway 121. Once on Highway 121, bear right at its fork with Highway 116. Go right at the intersection with Highway 12. Continue on Highway 12 till the intersection with Highway 29. Turn left on Highway 29 and look for the trail gate on the left with parking on both sides of the roadway.
