
Great scenery, in the distance
Peak Summited | 2019 Mount Saint Helena |
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Type of Hike | Day hike |
Trailhead | Hwy 29 Mt. St. Helena Trailhead |
Encountered | Wildflowers blooming |
Hiking Companions | Hiked with a group |
Road Conditions | Road suitable for all vehicles |
Bug Status | No bugs |
Snow Conditions | Snow free |
Trail Conditions | Trail in good condition |
The downside of this hike was primarily what a long drive in commute traffic it took to get to, and even more so to get back. Â But, it was exciting to see that we were starting at a point along the Bay Area Ridge Trail in a nice and shady parking area.
We took the hiking trail directly up from there – a very steep and rugged, rocky trail for about a mile. Â Fun hiking, but slower going, until we came out onto the fire road that would be our trail the rest of the way. Â The local scenery along the side of the trail did include some nice wildflowers in bloom, including thistles, giant dandelions, and other natives. Â But, also quite rocky and many burned out trees, leaving it rather sparse. Â But that meant more view-windows out to the distance where we could spy Table Rock (I want to go there next time I am up here) and Lake Berryessa (from near the top) and the Calistoga valley. Â The rounded nature of the summit meant that it wasn't the spot with the BEST views, but still made for a very nice lunch spot.
Return was down the same trail, mostly, but we stayed on the fire road until it hit Hwy 29, then crossed and found what seemed like a trail paralleling the road that took us back to parking.
If you are driving up to do this from south, I recommend you stop in at the Oxbow Market in Napa – a collection of shops and cafes. Â We rewarded ourselves with great smoothies and broke up the drive a bit.
Sorry only one extra picture – this tool is buggy and thinks I reached max number, but shows the same file multiple times. Â Also, complain that I can't edit my post. Â Really primitive. Â Since this is my last log, I am griping.
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