Submitted by Brett Jones

Destination Location: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, St. Helena, CA
Trip Length: Weekend
Intensity Level: Easy
Modes of Transport Used: Bike, Bus

Description

This is perfect trip if you're looking for a slow and relaxing weekend trip. With very little bicycling involved, you're able to spend more of your time recuperating from your hectic week in the city. Whether you decide to go wine tasting, have a delicious farm-to-table meal, or take in some sun by the pool, peace and quiet is sure to abound.

Bothe-Nape Valley State Park has 42 campsites (including one hiker-biker site that's always available) and 10 incredible yurts. Plus, as mentioned before, this campground has a swimming pool! That can't be said for many camping spots out there. And, with the indoor yurt sleeping, nearby showers & little biking, this is a great first-timers' trip to bring along friends that want to try post-car adventuring.

Directions

Take Bart to the El Cerrito del Norte or Richmond stop. Then hop on the Vine Transit Route 29 northbound to either St Helena or Calistoga. [This bus only has a 3-bike rack] From St Helena, bike north and take a right on Pratt Ave to quickly jump over to Silverado Trail N (a much less busy road than St Helena Hwy with vinyards on both sides). Then bike north until you turn left on Bale Ln, which will T into St Helena Hwy just south of the State Park entrance. This bike route is just over 6 miles.

If you decide to ride the bus to Calistoga, ride southeast along Washington St, north on Dunaweal Ln, east on Silverado Trail N, and finally south on Larkmead Ln to St Helena Hwy, just north of the park. This route is also about 6 miles.

For a bit more cycling, you can always take a long ride on Silverado Trail N, south 17 miles to Yountville for some sweet treats at Bouchon Bakery, then catch a ride back on the same Route 29 bus.