Jack London State Historic Park and Freeman Winery
We meet our guide & fellow travelers this morning in the Oakland area for a brief orientation before hitting the road. Our wine country adventure begins in the beautiful Sonoma Valley. In the early 20th century, Call of the Wild author Jack London purchased a piece of land in this pristine valley and called it Beauty Ranch. After his death, the land was gifted to the state of California and turned into a unique and beautiful state park. We'll explore the land London fell in love with, turning this into his escape from the bustling city life of Oakland. This afternoon, we visit the serene Freeman Vineyard & Winery for a heavenly tasting in their intimate wine cave. Tonight, we settle into our hotel rooms at the vibrant Flamingo Resort, a mid-century modern hotel in Santa Rosa that will be our home for two nights. Lunch and dinner included.
Hiking: 3-5 miles; Total ascent/descent: 659'/647'; Low/high point: 729'/1,155'
Van transfers: 2.5 hours
Redwoods, Sonoma Coast, and Breathless Wines
Towering trees and a coastal sea breeze await us this morning! We enjoy breakfast in the small town of Guerneville before exploring the enigmatic Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. We'll walk beneath the towering giants and enjoy the peace and tranquility of the lush old-growth forest. Late this morning we continue our journey west to Sonoma Coast State Park. We take time on our hike to soak in the dramatic coastal shoreline before heading northeast toward Healdsburg. The Mediterranean climate provided by the Pacific Ocean helps create the perfect environment for grape cultivation in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, and this afternoon we learn how that rarified air contributes to the art of making sparkling wine, while sipping on some of those delicious bubbles at Breathless Wines. This evening, we explore downtown Healdsburg and have dinner at a local restaurant before returning to Santa Rosa for our final night at the Flamingo Resort & Spa. All meals included.
Hiking: 3-5 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to 407'/397'; Low/high point: 0'/346'
Van transfers: 2.5 hours
Trione-Annadel State Park and Tres Sabores Winery
We have one last adventure in Sonoma today before heading east to the Napa Valley. In Trione-Annadel State Park, we hike over rolling hills, through expansive meadows, beneath tangled chaparral, and around a peaceful, sparkling lake. We return to tour trailhead and enjoy a delicious guide-prepared lunch together before making our way to the famous Napa Valley where we'll pay a visit to Tres Sabores Winery. We'll tour the picturesque vineyard, learn about the history of the winery and region, and sample some of their varietals. Tonight, we make ourselves at home at the retro-chic Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga. All meals included.
Hiking: 5.2 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to 1,054'/1,050'; Low/high point: 384'/964'
Van transfers: 2 hours
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park and Clif Family Winery
Choose between a leisurely morning enjoying the resort's spa amenities and a short hike in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park that takes us through a shaded forest, along a fire road, and leads to sweeping vistas of the stunning Napa Valley. We regroup this afternoon for a farm-to-table lunch and private tasting, expertly crafted & curated by the winery's culinary team and winemaker, at Clif Family Winery, makers of the classic trail snack, Clif Bar. We return to our hotel late this afternoon where we have time to relax or explore historic downtown Calistoga. We enjoy our final dinner together tonight celebrating the new friendships we have forged and reflecting on everything we've experienced together. All meals included.
Hiking: Optional 2-3.5 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to 1,162'/1,153'; Low/high point: 3,009'/2,315'
Van transfers: 1 hour 15 min.
Bothe-Napa Valley State Park and Farewell to wine country
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Dr. Wilkinson's and take a short drive to Bothe-Napa Valley State Park for our final hike together. Our trail follows alongside the meandering Ritchie Creek as we hike deeper into the forest under the shade of coastal redwood, Douglas-fir, tanoak, and madrone. This afternoon we make a stop in downtown Napa for lunch and have some time to explore the shops and walk along the Napa River. Our adventure together ends with a drop-off in the Oakland area where we had our initial group rendezvous. Here we will say our goodbyes, but not before making plans for our next big adventure together! Breakfast and lunch included.
Hiking: 4.3 miles; Total ascent/descent: up to 1,099'/1,092'; Low/high point: 372'/1,156'
Van transfers: 1 hour 45 min.