Spend a Day at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park

While Napa Valley is known for their amazing food and delicious wines, there are plenty of other things to do while you are here. Since we in Napa Valley usually have mild temperatures during most of the year, we love spending as much time as we can outside, whether that be in a vineyard or on a trail. We at Churchill Manor enjoy helping our guests find interesting ways to fill their time with us. One fun and historical place to visit is the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Not sure how you could spend a day at the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park? Let’s discover all the fun activities that are found at the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.

Here is a little history on who Robert Louis Stevenson was as well as what makes this park so special. Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland in 1850 and became a poet, novelist, travel writer, and essayist. His most famous works were The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Treasure Island, and Kidnapped. He traveled all over Europe and some of the United States, when his health allowed him. In 1880 he married Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne and honeymooned in what is now the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. While the cabin they shared is no longer standing, many visitors love coming to the park to see where it once stood.

When deciding to spend the day at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, there are so many things to do. There are two things to note when planning a trip to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, the first is that dogs are not allowed in the park. The other tip is the best time to go is either in the fall or the spring, when temperatures are at their best.

When you drive up from Calistoga to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, you will park in the  main parking area and from there you have a choice on where to walk. The first thing to discover to the north of the parking lot is the Stevenson Monument, which is only .8 miles away. If you continue to head north you will be on a hiking/biking trail that winds around the park and you will be lead to first South Peak, at an elevation of 4,003 feet. If you continue on the trail north from there for another 2 miles you will come to the north peak of Mt. Saint Helena. On a good day you can see into San Francisco Bay.

If you choose to go south from the parking lot, you will encounter a hiking trail that will lead you to Table Rock, followed shortly by Lasky Point. You can continue down 3.9 miles to Holm’s Place. After this stop the trail ends 4.5 miles later by going down the Historic Oat Hill Mine Road.

When you plan on coming to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, it is a good idea to be completely prepared and dressed properly for the hikes you plan on taking. The Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is completely undeveloped and does not have water or restrooms. A lot of visitors love to bring a delicious picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful views of this unspoiled park. 

After spending a day at the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park, most visitors love to relax their tired bodies with us at Churchill Manor. Our unparalleled service and attention to detail is exactly what they need after a long day outdoors. After a delicious dinner at a nearby restaurant, easily fall asleep in one of our comfortable beds complete with our luxurious linens. Contact our fantastic staff today and book a trip to see us and plan a visit to the Robert Louis Stevenson State Park.`

Photo by: Mark Doliner