We’ve researched an extensive number of running routes in bucolic California wine country, the vast northern Bay area anchored by Napa and Sonoma counties. This guide is specific to Napa county, which spans the valley from American Canyon and the mouth of the Napa River in the south, to the community of Calistoga at the base of Mount St. Helena in the north. Running in the Napa area features numerous off-road trails and quiet roads through rolling foothills and lush river basin vineyards, with world-class dining and wine-tasting establishments available for a post-run reward!
Within central Napa, the most popular running spots are the paved Napa River Trail, and the Napa Vine Trail. The scenic Silverado Trail road is runnable, as it has a wide shoulder — and we’ve also mapped some scenic loops off its 27-mile length. Trail runners of every level will enjoy Alston Park, Skyline Wilderness Park, and Westwood Hill Park. There are also some very scenic routes north of Napa, near Calistoga and Deer Park, and south of Napa, such as Stanly Lane and the American Canyon Wetlands. For more, see our guide to Sonoma County.
A car is generally needed to get around this area. There is some public bus transportation (Vine Transit) around central Napa, but schedules reaching into the valley are somewhat limited on nights and weekends.
Thanks to the team at Visit Napa Valley for providing photos and route suggestions for this guide!
