For me this is the hike where you get the most bang for your buck and here’s what is great about it:
Amazing views-A great glutes and quads workout (its pretty steep on the way up)
Easy access from most parts of Napa Valley (its only a 20 minute drive from downtown St Helena or downtown Napa, or just 10 minutes from Yountville). The entrance to the trail is located across from Paraduxx Winery. There is usually room for 3 cars in front of the chain link fence, otherwise just park on the side of the Silverado Trail. You can find the Rector Reservoir hike in All Trails, and it is also on Google Maps.
Not too crowded, its relatively undiscovered
Its just long enough to feel like you got a “real” hike but it can be shortened if you don’t have much time. This hike is an out and back hike that usually takes me 2 plus hours. It is only 3.4 miles but it feels a bit longer to me. You can easily shorten this by only going just to the ridge where you will see the reservoir and high mountain vineyards on one side and views of Yountville and Oakville, but if you turn right and continue along the ridge, you are rewarded with a nice flat trail and another spectacular view looking south towards Napa. It is steep and quite a workout on the way up, but you have will have views almost the entire way. On the way down, the steep parts can be tricky. I recommend sturdy shoes and hiking sticks if you have them…there are some spots of dry sandy pebbles that are slippery. I always slip!
Napanista’s Tip: Go early (there is no shade) and pair this hike with breakfast at Southside in Yountville, or even a nice brunch at The Charter Oak.
