Napa Valley: The Cyclist’s Paradise You Haven’t Discovered Yet
Napa Valley is widely known for its world-class wineries, Michelin-starred restaurants and luxurious resorts. However, Napa Valley rarely makes it onto lists of top cycling destinations despite possessing the characteristics that attract cyclists. This is your chance to explore this cyclist’s paradise before the secret gets out!
Why Napa Valley is a Cyclist’s Dream
- Varied Terrain and Scenery: From flat valley floors and gentle rolling hills to challenging climbs with double-digit grades, Napa Valley has it all. The scenery is breathtaking, with vineyards, redwoods, the Mayacamas mountains and charming towns dotting the landscape.
- Bike-Friendly Infrastructure: While not as extensive as some European destinations, Napa Valley is increasingly bike-friendly. The Napa Valley Vine Trail, a car-free, multi-use paved path, safely connects Napa and Yountville and starting in August, 2024 Calistoga and St. Helena. Napa Valley also has many bike shops that offer rentals and services.
- Cycling Culture: Napa Valley has a growing cycling culture, with bike tour companies, cycling events, and friendly cycling clubs and community.
- Climate and Weather: The Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, makes Napa Valley a pleasant place to cycle year-round.
- Food and Drink: Napa Valley is a culinary paradise, with countless award-winning restaurants and wineries offering farm-to-table cuisine, fresh local produce, and world-renowned wines.
- Accommodation Options: Napa Valley offers a wide range of accommodations, from luxury resorts to campgrounds. Some cater specifically to cyclists, with amenities like bike rentals, storage, and repair services.
Calistoga: The Perfect Base for Your Cycling Adventure
For a truly immersive cycling experience, consider basing yourself in the charming rural town of Calistoga. With its bike-friendly hotels, campgrounds, top-notch bike shop, hot spring fed mineral baths and delightful restaurants, Calistoga is a cyclist’s haven. The town is also connected to St. Helena via the car-free 8-mile Vine Trail, providing easy access to vineyards and quiet country backroads, some of which are lined by magnificent redwoods, and others which offer challenging climbs to vistas of the valley floor. And for mountain bikers, the Oat Mine Trail leaves right from town and climbs over 2,000’ via a mix of single track and old wagon trails. Visit cyclecalistoga.com and visitcalistoga.com to learn more.
Don’t Miss Out on Napa Valley’s Cycling Paradise
Napa Valley offers everything a cyclist could desire: stunning scenery, varied terrain, bike-friendly infrastructure, delicious food and wine, and a laid back, welcoming atmosphere. With local tourism organizations looking to promote the region as a cycling destination, now is the time to discover Napa Valley’s cycling paradise before the crowds arrive. To make the most of your cycling vacation, tap into local knowledge by booking guides from Vine Trail Adventures.
