A Sample of Our Favorite Cycling Routes
Below are some of the amazing cycling routes here in Napa Valley and Sonoma. Whether you are a triathlete or a casual cyclist, your customized cycling tour can incorporate these and other routes based on your interests and abilities. And here’s a reminder why you want to cycle with a bike guide.
The Napa Valley Vine Trail
Route: The Napa Valley Vine Trail is a set of car-free paths (33 miles combined) that connect various towns in Napa Valley. The most scenic section is the part between Calistoga and St. Helena as it goes along vineyards, a state park with streams and redwoods and has scenic views of Mount St. Helena. Along the trail are wineries, bakeries and lunch stops. The Vine Trail is also a great way to safely access the tranquil and scenic backroads of Napa Valley, which offer challenging climbs and other varied terrain.
Highlights: Generally flat, so accessible to even the most casual cyclist, cycle through a vineyard, end at the old Calistoga train station for lunch.
Length: Calistoga to St. Helena section is 8.2 miles one-way
Wineries: Accessible right of the trail, some with pizza ovens and bakeries.
Difficulty: 1 out of 5. Easily ridden in less than two hours, unless you decide to stop for some beverages and food.
Franz Valley Loop / Knights Valley AVA
Route: A wonderfully scenic route that rolls up and down the Mayacamas mountains in the NW corner of Napa and SE corner of Sonoma.
Highlights: Redwood forests, newly paved roads, vistas of Mt. St. Helena, intro to Knights Valley AVA.
Length: 25-45 miles (Half and full-day options)
Wineries: Estates, including one founded in the 1880s, that transform altitude-grown fruit into deliciousness.
Difficulty: 3.5 out of 5. Half-day ride includes Short, punchy climbs (up to 1.5 miles) featuring pitches up to 10%. Full-day route includes all that PLUS a challenging 4-mile climb averaging 7-8%.
St. Helena and Diamond Mountain AVA
Route: A lumpy and challenging day on the border of Napa and Sonoma Counties. If you’re into climbing, this will definitely test you. If you’re into high-altitude wines, this will delight you.
Highlights: Incredible vistas and views, ascending through California redwoods and exploring the top of the Napa Valley.
Length: 50-55 miles.
Wineries: Two hillside boutique wineries in the St. Helena and Diamond Mountain AVAs.
Difficulty: 5 out of 5. 5,000’-6,000’ of ascent so bring your climbing legs and gearing to handle 8-12% pitches.
Howell Mountain AVA
Route: South from Calistoga on the brand new, car-free Napa Valley Vine Trail to St. Helena, then eastward into the rolling hills of the Howell Mountain AVA. (Options: Beginning the ride in Napa or Yountville, as well as customizing the route for gravel enthusiasts).
Highlights: Napa Valley cycling with moderate climbing and if starting from Calistoga, the Vine Trail
Length: 30-55 miles (full and half-day options).
Wineries: Several undiscovered boutique gems.
Difficulty: 3 out of 5. A route with flat and rolling hill sections that takes guests to some of the quietest roads in Napa.
Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley AVAs
Route: A picturesque ride starting in Healdsburg through the Alexander and Dry Creek Valleys generally flat. For those looking for a challenging climb (>2K feet over 6 miles) and the most spectacular descent, we add on a climb towards The Geysers.
Highlights: Incredible vistas, vineyards and Diavolo Pizzeria in Geyserville.
Length: 30-45 miles depending on whether we climb towards The Geysers.
Wineries: Taste both the Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley AVAs.
Difficulty: 2 or 4 out of 5 depending on climb options.
Col du Calistoga #1
Route: This route and Strava Segment is a challenge for those who like to climb. It is an out-and-back 4-mile ride, that starts with a 900′ climb with a number of steep 15%+ grade pitches. It starts and ends in downtown Calistoga. The pavement is a little rough for the first few yards, but then becomes smooth pavement.
Highlights: Redwoods and views of the valley floor and Mayacamas mountains.
Length: 4 miles with options to extend if you ride the dirt road at the end.
Wineries: Celebrate afterwards at many of the downtown tasting rooms, such as Olabisi.
Difficulty: 5 out of 5, despite it being so short, the multiple steep pitches make this one a 5.
