Skyline is a state owned, county leased, and community managed 900+ acre park that has several sub-communities that operate within the park. It has horseback riding, frisbee golf, archery, camping, a native plant garden, and has extensive hiking and mountain biking trails, which are shared with horseback riders. It is a gem of Napa Valley.

Skyline Park is located at the south end of Napa City and looks northward over the Coombsville area. Take Imola Ave east into vineyard area and turn right as the street hooks left. The main entrance is clear.

Hiking trails

Skyline has over 25 miles of hiking trails, including the easier Lake Marie Road, a fire road that is 2.32 miles long, ending at Lake Marie, and has an average 7% grade. Picnic benches at various points make it ideal for a family outing or a date picnic. 

The Thatcher’s Rim Rock Trail may be the most challenging, rising to Sugarloaf Peak (1,630’ elevation) for some impressive views. Be prepared for a 14% climb and a 20% descent.

Information on the trails can be found on the website. (https://skylinepark.org/park-info/trails-info-2/ ) and maps are available at the main entrance. Skyline’s trails are also featured in AllTrails’ Best trails in Napa, California (https://www.alltrails.com/us/california/napa)

Because of Covid restrictions, attendance at the park is up, particularly on weekends, so easier trails might be well populated. I visit on weekdays, and rarely encounter more than a few people once I’ve left the initial stretch.

Skyline trail

My favorite hike is the Skyline trail, which has a challenging 16% rise up to the top of the 776’ hill, and lots of great views of Marin, Coombsville, and the whole valley. It is rare that I encounter more than a few other hikers on this trail, so good for meditative hikes.

Once at the top, there are views of Carneros and Marin in the distance. From there, it follows a rolling path up and down with wonderful seasonal landscape views of new grass, wildflowers, animals, and oak woodlands to the north end of the park, 1010’ elevation.

My typical route is to take Skyline trail to the crest of the hill, and around Lake Marie, returning on Lake Marie Road, a bit over 6 miles. I sometimes stop to take in a view, or bring a picnic to consume by the lake. When I’m in a hurry, I take the shortcut at Passini Rd, to come down to Lake Marie road, where there is conveniently a picnic table.There is exercise, views, communing with nature, and smiles and greetings exchanged with passing horse riders and mountain bikers. Skyline is inhabited by the friendliest and most respectful trail users I’ve encountered anywhere.

For any of the hikes, be sure to bring water and wear good hiking shoes, and don’t forget your mask.

Support Skyline Park

There is widespread support for keeping Skyline as a wilderness park in perpetuity, and protecting it from subdivision or development, but that is not guaranteed. You may support Skyline by using it, becoming a member (annual pass), and by becoming a member, you are entitled to participate in the governance of the park and advocacy for it. (https://skylinepark.org)

Roland Dumas is a member of the Sierra Club Napa Group Executive Committee.

Photo credit: Roland Dumas