Bothe Napa Valley State Park

Last day of summer hike in Napa Valley. Bothe is 1900 acres of beautiful redwoods, bay laurel, madrones and moss covered Douglas fir, orchids, trilliums and wildflowers (in season), spotted owls, pileated woodpeckers and forest pigeons, springs, creeks and ferns. You will not be disappointed! A challenging hike, best for individuals with at least a moderate level of fitness. Start time may change in case of heat. Check your email the night before.

Where We Meet/Directions
Bothe Napa Valley State Park
3801 St. Helena Hwy (Highway 29/128), Calistoga, CA 94515
The park is located approximately 5 miles north of St. Helena and 4 miles south of Calistoga on Highway 29/128.
After passing the entrance & Pay Station follow the road to a large parking area. There are bathrooms past this parking lot about 200 yards.
Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, pay park fee and use the toilet. It often takes longer than you think.

After Hike Gathering?
The Calistoga Creamery
1473 Lincoln Avenue, Calistoga 94515
https://www.yelp.com/biz/calistoga-creamery-calistoga
An outstanding ice cream shop! Opens at 12 pm Sat and Sun.
Organic ice cream and organic frozen yogurt, thick custom milk shakes, root beer floats and sundaes. No high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors. No hydrogenated oils and no GMOs.

The Hike
Coyote Peak Trail to Ritchey Canyon Trail - A loop hike
Distance - 6 miles/9.7 kilometers
Elevation change - 1100 feet/335 meters
Difficulty - 7+ out of 10 - moderate
Exposures - 20 % sun/ 80% shade- rocky, creek crossings, poison oak, ticks & insects.
Bring plenty of water. At least 68 oz./2 liters
Dogs - Not permitted
Facilities at trail head - Shade, picnic table, restrooms down the road.
Cost - $5 cash
Parking - State Parks fee of $8 or free with your State Park Pass.
Remember to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water, a hat, a snack/lunch and layered clothing.
Please Do Not Use Any scented products the day of a group hike!
Of course we will all look out for each other but ultimately, hikers are responsible for their own safety and well-being during hikes.

When We Meet
Sunday September 21, 2025
8:30 am - 12:00 pm
Start time may change in case of heat. Check your email the night before. If your plans change after you sign up even if you're on the waitlist, please update your RSVP.
Do Not Attend if you are sick, running a fever, were exposed to or have tested positive for Covid-19 or Any other contagion!
Hike may be changed, rescheduled or cancelled in case of excessive heat, rain, smoke/AQI, illness, zombie apocalypse etc... Check your email the night before for any possible changes.

Notice to New Hikers Only
After six years and approaching 300 guided hikes I'm adding a new rule for New Hikers Only Effective Immediately, 05/22/2025. In my experience New Hikers have a 90% chance of not showing up (No Show) to a hike they have rsvp'd to attend. The new rule is "When a New Hiker (never hiked with me before) doesn't show up (No Show) to their first hike with the group, they will be removed (not banned) from the group immediately." When a New Hiker does attend then the current No Show policy applies after that point.