The first place that I discovered after moving to northern California was Lake Berryessa, the largest lake in Napa County at 15 miles long. With 7 trail routes around the lake, it offers multiple hiking options to spend a day on.
Here are the trails of Lake Berryessa:
#1: Pleasants Ridge Trail
- Location: Winters, California
- Type of Trail: Loop. Predominantly Foot Trail with Some Areas for Biking & Equestrian
- Rated: Moderate
- Distance: 7.1 miles
- Elevation: +705 feet
- Features: View of Lake Berryessa
- More Info: Dogs Permitted
#2: Homestead-Blue Ridge Trail
- Location: Stebbins Cold Canyon Reserve, California
- Type of Trail: Loop. Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Difficult
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Elevation: +1456 feet
- Features: Dry Creek Bed, Storm Drain Entrance, High Climb and Peaks, Panorama View of Lake Berryessa
- More Info: Dogs NOT Permitted; If Water Levels are High in the Creek, Do Not Cross
Read More: A Hike on the Homestead-Blue Ridge Trail
#3: Smittle Creek Trail
- Location: Lake Berryessa Recreational Area, California
- Type of Trail: Out and Back. Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Moderate
- Distance: 5.7 miles
- Elevation: +419 feet
- Features: Views of Lake Berryessa
- More Info: Dogs Permitted On Leash
#4: Pope Creek Canyon
- Location: Lake Berryessa Recreational Area/Saint Helena, California
- Type of Trail: Out and Back. Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Easy
- Distance: 2.8 miles
- Elevation: +275 feet
- Features: River
- More Info: Dogs Permitted On Leash
#5: Cedar Roughs Trail
- Location: Lake Berryessa Recreational Area/Saint Helena, California
- Type of Trail: Out and Back. Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Moderate
- Distance: 3.7 miles
- Elevation: +803 feet
- Features: Wildflower Fields, Creek Bed, Lush Forests
- More Info: Dogs Permitted On Leash; If Water Levels are High in the Canyon, Do Not Cross
#6: Barton Hill Trail
- Location: Lake Berryessa Recreational Area/Napa, California
- Type of Trail: Out and Back. Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Easy
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation: +45 feet
- Features: Views of Lake Berryessa
- More Info: Dogs Permitted On Leash; Good for Kids
#7: Berryessa Peak Trail
- Location: Lake Berryessa Recreational Area, California
- Type of Trail: Out and Back, Foot Trail Only
- Rated: Difficult
- Distance: 14.7 miles
- Elevation: +3507 feet
- Features: Waterfall, Views of Lake Berryessa
- More Info: Dogs Permitted On Leash
Read More California Travel Posts HereBefore heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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