🏆 Official Guide: Robert Louis Stevenson State Park — A rugged, undeveloped California state park north of Calistoga featuring the challenging 10-mile round-trip summit trail up Mount Saint Helena (4,343 ft) — with panoramic views from the Napa Valley to Mount Shasta. Named for author Robert Louis Stevenson, who honeymooned here in 1880.
Robert Louis Stevenson State Park is a hiker’s park — an undeveloped, trailhead-only destination straddling the summit of Highway 29 about 7 miles north of Calistoga in California’s wine country. The park is named for Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, who spent his honeymoon in a cabin on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena in 1880 — an experience that inspired his book The Silverado Squatters. Today, the park’s signature experience is the demanding but spectacular summit hike to the 4,343-foot peak.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Highway 29, ~7 mi N of Calistoga, Napa County, CA |
| Admission | Free — no fees or passes required |
| Summit Elevation | 4,343 ft (Mount Saint Helena) |
| Summit Trail | ~10 mi RT — strenuous (2,000+ ft elevation gain) |
| Facilities | None — no restrooms, no water, no camping |
| Dogs | Not permitted |
Mount Saint Helena Summit Trail
| Segment | Distance | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Stevenson Memorial Trail | ~0.75 mi | Shaded single-track through tanoak/Douglas fir forest |
| Stevenson Monument | Mile 0.75 | Historic marker at honeymoon cabin site |
| Fire Road to Summit | ~4.25 mi | Wide, exposed fire road — steady climb |
| Total Round Trip | ~10 mi | Strenuous — allow 5–7 hours |
Summit Views
The summit of Mount Saint Helena delivers near-360° panoramic views of Northern California:
| Direction | What You See |
|---|---|
| South | Napa Valley, Mount Tamalpais, San Francisco Bay |
| Southeast | Mount Diablo |
| North | Cobb Mountain, Lake County — Mount Shasta on clear days |
| East | Sacramento Valley, Sierra foothills |
Other Trails
| Trail | Character |
|---|---|
| Table Rock Trail | Moderate — volcanic rock formations, scenic views |
| Palisades Trail | Advanced — rugged volcanic terrain, east side of Hwy 29 |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Summit trail, Table Rock, Palisades — strenuous options |
| Photography | Panoramic summit views — best in fall/spring |
| History | Stevenson Monument — 1880 honeymoon site |
| Wildflowers | Spring blooms along the single-track section |
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is the hike to Mount Saint Helena summit?
The summit trail is strenuous — approximately 10 miles round trip with over 2,000 feet of elevation gain. The first 0.75 miles on the Stevenson Memorial Trail are shaded and pleasant, but the remaining 4+ miles follow an exposed, shadeless fire road. Allow 5–7 hours for the full round trip. Bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Can I camp at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park?
No — camping is not permitted. This is a completely undeveloped day-use park with no restrooms, water, or overnight facilities. The nearest campgrounds are at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, about 15 miles south near St. Helena.
Who was Robert Louis Stevenson?
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish author best known for Treasure Island and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. In 1880, he and his wife Fanny honeymooned in an abandoned mining bunkhouse on the slopes of Mount Saint Helena. His account of that experience, The Silverado Squatters, is the reason the park bears his name. A monument marks the cabin site along the trail.
Are dogs allowed?
No — dogs are not permitted anywhere in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. This is standard for many California state parks that protect sensitive natural habitats.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Tolowa Dunes State Park (a short drive away) or George H. Hatfield SRA (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for California state parks online at reservecalifornia.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Maximum 6-foot leash at all times; dogs may not be left unattended.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Dogs are prohibited on most state beaches; only beaches specifically designated as dog-allowed permit them (varies by park).
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Pets are generally not allowed in buildings or cabins; overnight campers must keep dogs inside a tent or vehicle at night.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Designated dog-friendly trails and beaches vary park by park; misrepresenting a pet as a service animal is a misdemeanor.
Are dogs allowed at Robert Louis Stevenson State Park?
Dogs are permitted in California State Parks only in developed areas — campgrounds, picnic areas, parking lots and paved roads — and are prohibited on most trails, beaches and undeveloped areas unless specifically designated as dog-friendly. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via parks.ca.gov. More: California state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
