Robert Louis Stevenson State Park
🏆 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.
