Table Rock trail is located within Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. The road to get to the trailhead is directly north of Calistoga on Highway 29-about 20 minutes from the downtown. There are no facilities and parking can be hard to come by, as there are just two small lots. You're competing with other hikers who might be climbing up Mt St Helena. Mileage wise, the trail signs indicate 4.2 miles round trip. So, while the distance is short, the trail itself is moderate to challenging. There are sections both going in and out with an incline. While the inclines and declines aren't terribly steep, it's the loose rocks, downed trees and washed out trail sections that make it more challenging. I do wish I brought hiking poles to navigate the downhills and found myself tripping a few times, The scenery is quite unique with interesting rock formations along the way. The end of this trail, at Table Rock itself is spectacular, especially in winter when the valley below is green. The area did suffer from fires back in 2017 so there are a lot of burned trees and scrubby landscape. Interesting hike and worth checking out at least once. If you're up for more of a challenge, the trail continues to the Palisades trail and eventually connects down to the Oat Hill Mine trail in Calistoga. Good workout, scenic and not too crowded. Bring water and layers. It's exposed for much of the uphills and I was sweating but then cold and windy at the top. Minus 1 star for the challenging parking situation and washed out (but passable) sections. read more

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Fun little trail with a lot of scenic views, trees, and (currently) greenery. We went today, which happened to be cold, windy, cloudy, and even hailed a bit, and there were a few downed trees you needed to hop over. I loved the hike. Only saw 4 other people, a couple on their way out and a couple on their way in (when we were on our way out). It was quiet and peaceful. The parking lot adjacent to it was nearly full. There was another trail entrance across the road from this one that seemed more popular. read more

Table Rock - Palisades trail sign found near the Table Rock location (end of our trail). - Hiking Near Me - Calistoga, California

The drive to/from here is so beautiful! We got to the trailhead around noon on a Saturday and there were still a few parking spots left. My bf & I stopped about halfway in to have lunch on the giant boulders and WOW, what an amazing view! The labyrinth area was pretty cool too. The next mile though after the rock mazes wasn't as easy as the first. When you reach the top of Table Rock, you essentially get the same views as you did with that first stop on the giant boulders. So if you want to take it easy, stop by the first boulders, check out the labyrinth below, and then turn around. But if you are willing and able, definitely hike the whole thing! Just be careful at the top - it is super windy up there! This is one of the cleanest trails I've seen in terms of trash and dog poop (great job people!). There's lots of shade and it wasn't too busy when I went on a Saturday afternoon. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete (with lunch and picture breaks included) so it wasn't too bad. I do agree with other Yelpers about it being very rocky and not suitable for young children or for those with injuries. read more

Table Rock - Hiking Near Me - Calistoga, California

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During our stay in Napa, we wanted a little more activity than just eating and drinking all day. So, we packed a cooler with wine, cheese, and sausages and went hiking - to then eat and drink. :-) The weather was warm/hot and the trail was a little challenging for a beginner. There were some steep spots, which made it fun. The views were incredible, with multiple spots along the way spectacular enough to make you catch your breath. We stopped about halfway to Table Rock and lunched near the big boulders - what seemed to be the highest altitude and best view to that point. From where we sat we overlooked vineyards on one side and forest valley on the other. There are no facilities on this trail (compared to Big Basin, with full restrooms at most of the campgrounds), and the trail gets a little narrow (just a little) after you pass the first big opening. There is a small parking lot right near the trial head - it is very easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled. The drive up to Table Rock was also very enjoyable - half the fun of the hike was zipping along the winding mountain roads. We didn't make it all the way to Table Rock (ran out of time), but we really enjoyed ourselves, the fresh air, and the beautiful landscapes. read more

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This is a great easy to moderate hike. Kids can do it so don't pay heed to the reviews below. If you are in decent shape this is a fairly easy hike. Also, I have dogs and would love to bring them but dogs are NOT allowed so please respect the parks rules as they are for a reason. Dogs aren't allowed in any State Parks. Park Rules: Bicycles are allowed only on the road to the peak and on the Oat Hill Mine Trail, not on single track trails. Collecting rocks, mushrooms or other natural objects is prohibited. No dogs are allowed in RLS State Park. read more

Wow. What a fantastic hike. But damn, it is a REAL hike! I do not recommend this hike for anyone who may have a knee injury, balance problems, young children, or someone who is not in good shape. The hike starts off quite mildly as it weaves through trees and is fairly shaded with a wide open trail. Then within ten minutes the terrain changed and you are having to either climb over granite and smoothed stone of a dried up river bed, or hiking down a very steep incline and having to be very careful not to fall. Spectacular breathtaking views. Definitely give yourself an hour and a half each way with a couple stops in between. Bring water with you (I recommend at least two bottle pp), and a snack. My assumption after reading these reviews is that it would be moderately challenging, but this hike is definitely not for the faint of heart! I exercise 4-5 times a week and my boyfriend does as well and we are very young and healthy...this hike kicked our butts, but it was totally worth it to see the beautiful views along the way. Also a great hike for dogs! read more

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A great hike. Was fairly up hill almost immediately, but not too strenuous. Great views.

The Palisade's trail has been called Calistoga's stairway to heaven. I don't know about that, but it is a freakin awesome hike out to Table Rock. Having grown up in the area, I was accustomed to seeing these majestic rocky outcroppings up in the hills that hug the northern end of the Napa Valley. But a few years ago, I went on my first hike out amongst these cliffy wonders. It's a moderate to strenuous hike, about 4.4 miles round trip. If you're in shape, then you'll have no problem! The views of the valley and all the vineyards, especially in fall when they are all glorious shades of orange, red and brown are spectacular and make sure to go to the far right once you arrive on the lava rocks and you will be rewarded with awesome, adrenaline pumping standing-on-the-edge-of-a-cliff delight! It gets pretty warm up here, even on chilly days (maybe it's all the exertion) so wear layers. Oh and bring some water and a snack. The last time I went I forgot to bring anything so I was without nourishment and hydration and felt very light headed towards the end of the trek, which was no bueno. read more

Wow, great hike. It was raining a bit so I am not sure we made it to the top, but it was a delightful surprise. I agree with other reviews, if you have knee issues or are physically impaired in any way, this isn't the hike for you. Pretty steep uphill and you def. need to watch your step downhill. read more

Yeah, we loved this hike, but I definitely recommend hiking poles because of the loose rocks and the steep terrain. read more

Table Rock - MacIntosh the mighty explorer posing on top of Table Rock. - Hiking Near Me - Calistoga, California

Wonderful hike! The drive to get to the trail head took quite a while but it was well worth it! We didn't walk all the way to the top since it was so foggy we knew we wouldn't be able to see much. On a clear day you should be able to see the whole area from a bird's eye view though! Plenty of parking at the trail head and bringing dogs is OK! read more

This is one of my favorite hikes ever! A little under 5 miles round trip with with varying terrain that makes it challenging both getting there and getting back. The view from Table Rock is really beautiful on sunny day as well as on day with low clouds as the hike will take you above them where you'll have lots of sun and and the view of a sea of clouds below you. The trail passes lots of cool rock formations as well as a fun little labrynth that has probably been there forever. Table Rock itself is also really cool - I alway feel like I'm on some other planet when I'm there. I'd give this place 5 stars, except there are no bathrooms and the trail is not very well maintained and can be treacherous in places this time of year (down trees, rocky eroded trails, not well marked). Good hiking shoes and lots of water are a must - taking a camera and picnic are definite pluses. read more

If you want a relatively short hike that provides a good workout, volcanic rocks to scramble upon, and fabulous scenic views of Southern Napa Valley, this is it! The trailhead begins at the parking lot on the east side of Hwy 29 (approx. 8.2 mi. north of Calistoga). Parking is available on both sides of Hwy 29, as well as along the highway. Drivers seem to think the curves on this highway are akin to those at Sear's Point and take them at hair-raising speeds; use extreme caution crossing the highway and pulling in and out of the lots. There are no toilets or water at the trailhead. This is a moderately strenuous hike that is best attempted in winter and early spring as there is minimal shade and water. It was about ~70 degrees when we began the hike and two in our party were dumping water over their heads to keep from overheating before we finished. There is a small creek along the trail but the water is sufficient only for splashing on one's body, not wading or drinking (unfiltered) -- and it dries up in late spring/early summer. I completed this hike with my husband and my sister's family, including a teenage boy with special needs and his service dog. There were several families with young children on the trail when we hiked on Saturday 02/16/2013. I recommend this trail for children with the caveat that parents supervise their children at all times, as there are steep cliffs with no barriers. The trail is not adjacent to the cliffside but the cliffside is close. Kids, however, love scrambling on rocks and there is plenty of that along this hike. Climbing on the rocks is not prohibited by the park service or encouraged. No dogs are allowed (except service dogs). The trail winds through a mix of forest and chaparral. The trail heads up a shaded, sandy, leaf-littered trail but quickly narrows to an eroded rocky trail surrounded by igneous volcanic rock formations. There is a fair bit of rock scrambling, little shade, and many ups and downs along the route. At some points, the trail is not well marked, although most side paths end up in the same place. There are a few excellent lookout points along the way with fabulous views of the Napa Valley. The trail also winds past a flat hillside with an elaborate labyrinth and various forms of rock art -- a great place to stop and reflect. We stopped for a break at the Table Rock Overlook -- the first set of large rock formations that adhere to the cliffside. This is a great place to enjoy a little shade, take in the views, and scramble on the rocks. We continued onward to Table Rock, a rocky jagged cliffside plateau with large volcanic rock formations, a stunning overlook of the southern Napa Valley, and a view up and across to Mount St. Helena. It was sunny with only a light breeze when we arrived at the top. Table Rock is a fantastic place for a picnic. Tote along a soft mini cooler and treat yourself to a little wine, a loaf of sourdough, and some local cheese. We kept track of our hike with MotionX-GPS tracker on our cell phone, which works regardless of whether you have signal and I think cost us 0.99 cents on iTunes. Our total distance was 4.20 miles and our average speed was a snail's-paced 1.2 mph (max speed 7.9 mph) but why hurry when there is so much to see and do! The hike took us 3:36 hrs.; however, this was a leisurely family-outing. The minimum altitude was 2,198 ft and the max altitude was 2,742 ft. Good to Know: Hike this moderately strenuous trail in winter or early spring to avoid overheating. Bring lots of water and some snacks. No water or toilets at trailhead. Arrive early to secure parking in the lot (east-side) or pullout (west-side) off Hwy 29. Good for energetic kids with close supervision by parents or guardians. Great rock scrambling and scenic views. read more

Great hike with lots of shade and amazing views. Moderate to difficult mainly because of all the rocks. Would definitely make a half day out of it. Wear good hiking shoes! It's a long, narrow road up to the parking area, but you'll eventually find it. read more

We discovered Table Rock after reviewing a wonderful but totally misleading review of the hike in the SF Gate. The hike we were ready for was a meandering stroll with a 300 foot elevation gain, but what we got was a seriously butt-kicking hike up and down precariously slippery river beds, rock hopping over running streams and a class 4 Boulder scramble before we were rewarded with the beautiful view from atop the windswept table rock. The so-called 2.1 mile hike took our experienced hiking group over 2 hours, and seemed much longer, but at least part of that was due to figuring out which fork in the largely unmarked trails to take! read more