Northern California is chock full of unique landscapes, that’s for sure. Some are well-traversed and others remain our region’s greatest hidden gems. In fact, one of the most underrated landscapes can be found in Robert Louis Stevenson State Park in Calistoga. This lesser-known state park boasts the most spectacular scenery, including endless rock formations that are bound to leave you in awe of Mother Nature’s capabilities. If you have yet to explore this beautiful park, you’ll want to be sure to plan a trip soon. This is the type of place you simply need to see to believe.
Explore one of Northern California's most awe-inspiring landscapes when you plan a trip to Robert Louis Stevenson State Park. Located near Calistoga, this park and its wild rock formations will fill you with wonder.
Simply put, this underrated state park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Boasting everything from hiking trails to opportunities for rock climbing, this park will completely immerse you in the region's natural beauty from the moment you arrive.
Named after the famed author, Stevenson actually wrote about his experience in this unique region in his book "Silverado Squatters." After visiting the park for yourself, you'll easily see why the area made such an impression on him.
Loaded with evergreen forests, canyons, and endless rock formations, the landscape is truly unlike any other. In fact, the rocks that form the park's Mount St. Helena and the Palisades are volcanic in nature and are believed to have been formed in between 2.6 to 8 million years ago!
The area's rough and rocky terrain have made it a popular place for rock climbing but there are numerous hiking trails as well that are perfect for taking in the scenery. A five-mile hike will take you straight to the top of Mt. St. Helena where you can view the Bay Area and even Mt. Shasta on a clear day.
If you're up for a more rugged adventure, the trails that head southeast along the Palisades are a great option. Although they require a little more effort to traverse, they also boast the best views of the park's globally unique rock formations.
It's amazing to think that such spectacular landscapes have been hiding in this state park all this time. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these towering rock formations and plan to see this place for yourself sometime soon.
