Hike in Calistoga: Oat Mine Trail

The Oat Hill Mine trailhead and parking is at the corner of Silverado Trail and Hwy. 29 in Calistoga. Dog-friendly!

Mount St. Helena lords in the north. Even better, after Bald Hill, the trail is simply spectacular. Wide-open views, dramatic volcanic rock formations like something out of Game of Thrones, and—in the spring: wildflowers! The rock walls of the Palisades rise to 40 feet in places. Your turnaround point is the old Holms Place, a long-gone homestead from the late 1800s. You can still see some of the stone wall from its barn. Return the way you came. No hot air about it, this hike is two thumbs up (and up!)

BONUS FOOD + DRINK: Just a half-mile down the road is the stylish Solbar in the Solage Calistoga resort. They have bocce courts, a large outdoor patio, and wines galore—from super local to sweet and fortified.