In the crisp, cool air of a late afternoon in April, this was a pleasant hike. Construction started in 1873 and took 20 years to complete. This trail used to be the wagon trail road from Calistoga to Oat Hill to access the quicksilver mines. There were a few little watershed cascades trickling down the rocks in the dirt walls along the reddish dirt path, and later some granite stone surfaces with ruts worn into them by the heavy wagons of the past, laden with mercury from the mines. Within the first mile, hikers are treated to some beautiful views overlooking grassy vineyards and ponds in Calistoga below. I would've liked to have seen a bit more, but the views in the first few miles were worth the time I spent there. A few other hikers had already turned back and passed me on their way down. I was the farthest one up the trail, hiking alone, and my phone had just died. I started up around 5pm and was forced to turn around just before mile 3 because it was getting dark and giant clouds were moving in. I hiked a bit of this trail at the end of a long day of exploring. With so much to explore and things to do, time at our site was very limited anyway. That said, we were mostly "in camp" to sleep. The park is, overall, very nice, but RV accommodations are somewhat akin to the "parking lot RV parks" you find in Reno or Vegas. We were in RV site 46 and were exposed on all sides. My ONLY issue was the privacy of the RV sites. Sitting, at dusk, with a glass of wine, taking in the plants and a very busy squirrel was very relaxing! Visiting in the spring, after near record rainfall, the garden was lush and green. The native California plant, Martha Walker garden, was also something to take in. I brought my bow and was equipped to shoot, but I wasn't clear if the ranges were open to the public, so I just mountain biked the trails instead. The archery ranges were very nice as well. The trails are the pot of gold! On horseback, mountain bike or on foot, the trails offer something for everyone. The grounds, bathrooms, showers, etc, etc were all clean and very well maintained. GREAT PLACE! The staff are very helpful and polite. We would do this tour again with our family! The water features, barrels, Crystal room and and theater space make this our favorite place in Napa. We had 7 tastings with cheese, crackers, dried fruit, nuts and water provided as a palette cleanser on a gorgeous marble table set beautifully in a tasting room. Britton was the perfect host and tour guide with so much great information about the history of the winery and of Napa itself. The tour was so interesting showing each step of the winemaking process from the minute the grapes come into the cave until they are bottled and sealed. There is no "hard sell" and a waitlist to join their Members Club. The small on-site staff is very friendly and customer oriented. We were immediately offered water and one of the staff volunteered to help another couple find a great place to eat in the area. When you enter through the large front doors, the coolness of the cave provides refreshing relief from the dry hot Napa temps. As you drive onto the property, two flowering lily-pad, frog-filled ponds, bridges, stunning yard art, sitting areas and the cave entrance provide beautiful curb appeal and excitement. This is the most amazing and unique winery in Napa! Built into the side of a mountain, you are immediately struck by the topography and views on the way up to the Jarvis Estate entrance.
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