Stevenson Memorial via Mount Saint Helena Trail(edit)

based on 117 tracks & routes | |

DIFFICULT

#11 hike out of 15 in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park |

DIFFICULT

10.0 mi

Distance

5 hrs 10 min

Time

1,983 ft

Elev Gain

Overview

This is a difficult out and back trail in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The first mile and a half is a traditional trail through the forest, then you meet up with a dirt service road that will continue the rest of the was up.

This trail goes by Stevenson Memorial, The Bubble, and The Bear.

Getting Started

There is a very small parking on the side of the road, with a much larger one across the street, but both fill up very quickly, so you will need to arrive early, especially on weekends or holidays. There are no restrooms or water sources, so plan ahead. There is no shade once you’re on the service road, so you will be exposed to the elements. Be sure t take sun protection and plenty of water, especially on hot days.

Taking Children

This could be a long climb for small children.

Sights to See

The Bubble

Rate this Hike

★★★★★

enabreu 1 year, 11 months ago

The first mile and a half or so is a traditional trail switchbacking through the forest, the rest follows a dirt service road all the way to the top. There are several peaks, the one you want is the one at the end of the road. You can definitely turn off and explore some of the other peaks, the one directly below the true summit is the highest point in Napa county, so worth the extra few minutes to bag that peak! You will be exposed to the elements he entire way once you leave the forest, so be sure to take sun and wind protection. There are no restrooms anywhere on the trail, and no water, so be prepared and take enough water. I took a liter on yesterday’s hike and it was more than enough since it was so cold and rainy, but on days where it’s been sunny and hot, I’ve needed much more! Trail conditions are excellent! It was raining hard during the first half, plenty of snow and ice the last couple miles. By the time I got back down, the trails were well drained and not very muddy at all. You’d swear it rained a couple days ago, not an hour or two! I did use hiking poles and boots, but neither are required. Trail runners are just as good here, or tennis with good traction. Round trip was 10 miles with a little over 2000ft of elevation gain and I was able to complete it in about 3 hrs Re is a good amount of parking, but if you plan on hiking this trail on a weekend or holiday, especially with nice weather, you need to start early. I finished before noon on a stormy day and the parking was still mostly filled up.

★ ★ ★ ★

travelingchef 4 years, 3 months ago

Trial of the Gail trail app. Rated difficult. Agreed! The trail was steep with many switchbacks up. About a mile. Ending on unpaved natural road — followed the road about a mile, where it follow the edge of the mountain about 1-2 miles further. I turned back and got down to the car. Total about 2 hours.

★ ★ ★ ★