Lower Oat Hill Mine Trail, Calistoga

9 MILES OUT-AND-BACK, STRENUOUS

This trail, which climbs the hills above Calistoga, balances history and scenery. In the late 1800s, Oat Hill was one of the richest cinnabar (mercury) mines in the West, and the trail follows the old road that led toward the mine. As for scenery, the hike along the rough, sometimes rocky, trail gives you sweeping views of the Napa Valley and of the dramatic, volcanic Pinnacles, plus fine displays of spring wildflowers. In about 4.5 miles you’ll reach the remnants (a stone wall, some fruit trees) of pioneer Karl Gustov Holm’s late 19th century homestead, which is a good point to turn around. Start: Small parking lot near the intersection of Lake Street and Silverado Trail, Calistoga; www.napaoutdoors.org/parks/oat-hill-mine-trail