As one of the largest states in the country, California is unsurprisingly the site of many incredible drives. But some may not realize it’s also home to one of the most breathtaking routes in the entire country. For a relatively brief 29 miles, the Silverado Trail meanders through the eastern portion of the Napa Valley, lending itself to gorgeous views of mountains, vineyards, and some truly unforgettable food. Here’s what’s in store when you take one of the best driving roads in California:

The natural beauty of the Silverado Trail is rivaled only by the amount of incredible food and wine available along the way. Over forty wineries are established along the trail, introducing with them amazing culinary options as well.
dominique bergeron/flickr
This drive can be done quickly, although not stopping for at least a taste of what this land has to offer would be a terrible oversight. Just like the food and wine, the drive is best when savored.
Martin Hapl/flickr
The Silverado Trail parallels California State Route 29 in its entirety. This road was created after severe flooding which made the Napa Valley road impossible to use.
Feist - FunnyFence - catchthefuture/Flickr
One of its primary purposes was a wagon trail that linked mines in the northern part of the San Francisco Bay. Upon the discovery of silver and the production of wine, the trail became a major trade route.
By 1976, Napa Valley was famous for its wines and the trail was the heart of this production. Driving down the beautiful Silverado Trail, the best Napa Valley scenic drive, one can’t help but notice the serene and lovely hillsides marked with rows of vines.
John Morgan/flickr

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Another perk of the drive is its comparatively less-crowded nature. The Napa Valley is notorious for attracting wine and food lovers, and yet the Silverado Trail somehow remains essentially void of busy tour buses and crowded parking lots.
Dom Sagolla/flickr
Some of the impressive wineries encountered along the way include Clos Du Val, Signorello Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards, and Joseph Phelps Vineyards.
Jim G/flickr
Marveling at the scenery that encompasses the Silverado Trail, it’s no wonder why grapes grow so luxuriously well here.
Jim G/flickr
The pristine landscape feels like a slice of heaven, and your Napa scenic drive will surely be one to remember.
Jody Holman Webster/flickr


Take a look at this video by @RoadTripper0123:

Be sure to keep wine tasting to a careful minimum if you plan on continuing the entire drive; as always, safety first! Have you driven the Silverado Trail recently? Do you agree that it’s one of the best scenic drives in Northern California? Be sure to share your experience with us.

Hitting the road anytime soon? Be sure to check out our road trip packing list before you go!

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Scenery In Northern California

Beth C. | July 20, 2021

What are the most scenic places in Northern California?

The following are some of the most scenic places in Northern California:

  • Yuba River
  • Sierra Buttes
  • Point Reyes National Seashore
  • Castle Crags
  • The Lost Coast
  • Lava Beds National Monument
  • American River
  • Shasta Lake
  • Roosevelt Elk
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • The Russian River
  • Donner Summit
  • Northern California's star-filled skies
  • King Range National Conservation Area
  • Battery Point Lighthouse
  • Burney Falls
  • Gold Country
  • Lake Tahoe
  • The Tunnel of Trees in Point Reyes
  • Redwood State and National Parks,
  • Mount Shasta

 

What are some more beautiful drives in Northern California?

The following are among the most beautiful drives in Northern California:

  • U.S. Route 395
  • California State Route 3
  • U.S. Route 199
  • Highway 36
  • California Route 89
  • Gold Country Highway (also known as California State Route 49)
  • Trinity Scenic Byway (also known as State Route 299)
  • Feather River Scenic Byway (California State Route 70)
  • Ebbets Pass
  • California State Route 273 between Redding and Anderson

 

Does Northern California have any hidden gems?

Yes and here are some of the top hidden gems in Northern California you'll want to visit:

  • Fern Canyon
  • Battery Point Lighthouse
  • Lava Beds National Monument
  • Faery Falls
  • Lake Shasta Caverns National Landmark
  • Turtle Bay Exploration Park
  • Empire Mine State Park.

 

You can visit these destinations on one convenient road trip in Northern California.

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Silverado Trail, Napa, CA, USA