Valentine Vista Loop

Hike Valentine Vista Loop in Moore Creek Park Napa

04.07.2021
Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass

{MARCH 2024 UPDATE: Due to recent storms, before going to the park, please check ahead for weather forecasts, along with trail status and conditions; trails can be muddy and have debris or unexpected hazards; exercise good judgement and caution.}

With a name like Valentine Vista Trail, it’s hard not to wax poetic about the brilliance of this 4.3-mile hike hidden in the hills of Napa at Moore Creek Park. This hike is spectacular for views! Wildflowers are a colorful bonus in spring. (April is usually the month for the true bonanza of wildflowers, from cluster-lilies and sticky monkey to iris and absolutely spectacular blankets of our state flower, the California poppy.)

Woman standing in a field of wildflowers at Valentine Vista Loop Trail in Moore Creek Park Napa

The hike begins alongside Moore Creek, meandering on a wide dirt trail. A gradual uphill takes you to the Valentine Vista Loop sign, where you’ll veer onto a singletrack weaving up a hillside in gentle switchbacks, under canopies of oak, and back out to the increasingly wider views of the valley and hills of Napa.

At the trail’s highest point you get to the absolute highlight of the hike—a wide and exposed ridgeline featuring stellar views of the deep valley, Lake Hennessey winking sunlight in the distance, and romantic rolling hills. After a long walk on the ridge, descend back to the creek. We heart Valentine Vista.

Woman hiking along the high point of Valentine Vista Loop in Napa Moore Creek Park

Book a Wine Tasting: For a blend of down-to-earth hospitality and a fun ambience with panache, book a tasting at Raymond Vineyards. Their outdoor patio seating is lovely (and dog-friendly), and their Cabs delicious. Their Frenchie label, inspired by (you got it!) the winery’s affection for French bulldogs, is quirky and offers reasonable price points for those looking to have everday options (though the Frenchie Royale Red Blend is a splurge).

Moore Creek Park: 2602 Chiles Pope Valley Rd. While parts of Moore Park are dog-friendly, the Valentine Loop trail does not allow dogs.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. The Beauty of Bainbridge Island

    You know a place is special when locals head to it for their in-state vacations. Follow the lead of Seattleites and venture to beautiful Bainbridge Island in the heart of Puget Sound on the Kitsap Peninsula. Hike the Grand Forest here, meet Pia the Peacekeeper, and enjoy tasty food and drinks.

    View
  2. Woman on a bicycle passing a park lake with a fountain spraying water

    East Bay Bike With Blossoms

    Spring wildflowers are in full bloom on this 15.5-mile bicycle loop through the East Bay that begins at charming Heather Farm Park and features plenty of scenic highlights.

    View
  3. Hiker overlooking Bear Gulch Reservoir at Pinnacles National Park near Monterey

    Pinnacles of Spring

    Why hike at Pinnacles National Park? Spring's a beautiful time of year here. And you might spy the magnificent California condor soaring while you gain soaring views from the High Peaks Trail.

    View
  4. old church on Monterey Path of History

    Path of History Walk (+ Food Bonuses)

    Monterey’s 2-mile yellow tiled, multilingual Path of History is a do-it-yourself stroll among some of the area’s most interesting, beautiful, and culturally significant sites, including through the Old Town, past Mexican-era adobes, and to the beautiful Royal Presidio Chapel.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Be Dune-spired!

    There’s only one urban park on the planet that helped inspire a major theme in Frank Herbert’s 1965 sci-fi book, Dune. Herbert was born and raised in Tacoma, and Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance Park is named in honor of his famous novel—a tribute to one of the book’s main ideas ...

    View

  2. Little Norway

    There aren’t many small towns in America that look and feel like Europe, but Washington State sure seems to have a few! Lesser known among them is Poulsbo on the Kitsap Peninsula. Dubbed “Little Norway,” this hamlet on the waterfront of Liberty Bay is charmed with Scandinavian influence.  

    View

  3. Caves in Mojave

    No one expects to see caves when they visit the desert, and that’s part of what makes Mitchell Caverns in the Mojave Desert such an interesting place. Go on a two-hour guided adventure tour through Mitchell Caverns in Providence Mountains State Recreation Area.

    View

  4. Dume in Bloom

    During wildflower season, nature puts on a spectacular show, and one the best places to see it is at Point Dume Natural Preserve in Malibu. 

    View