In brief:
This 6.1 mile loop hike starts near a small RV park, but you'll quickly leave the trappings of civilization behind on a fire road ascending through grassland and oaks to shaded woods near Lake Marie. From here a narrow path skirts sunny slopes above the lake, then you'll follow a series of paths wandering up and down grassland dotted with oaks and buckeyes.

Highlights:
Variety of landscapes (woods, oaks, grassland), uncrowded.

Distance, category, and difficulty:
6.1 mile loop hike is moderate, with about 1250 feet of elevation change.

Exposure:
Some pockets of shade, but largely exposed.

Trail traffic:
Light.

Trail surfaces:
Dirt fire road and rocky trails.

Hiking time:
3 hours.

Season:
Very hot in summer, but good anytime.

Getting there:

From I-80 in Solano County, exit 33 onto CA 37. Drive west on CA 37 2.5 miles to the junction with CA 29. Turn right and drive north on CA 29 7.5 miles, then stay to the right at the junction with CA 221 (signed towards downtown Napa and Lake Berryessa). Drive north on CA 221 (signed as the Napa-Vallejo Highway) 3 miles, then turn right onto Imola Avenue. Drive east 2.3 miles, then turn right into the park.
Park address: 2201 Imola Ave, Napa CA 94559

GPS coordinates* for trailhead:
Latitude 38°16'43.99"N
Longitude 122°14'58.95"W
(* based on Google Earth data, shown as degrees, minutes, seconds)

Gas, food, and lodging:
There is a campground in the park, with an emphasis on RV's. All services are available in nearby Napa, and along CA 221.

Trailhead details:
Restrooms and drinking water available at the parking area. Pick up a trail map at the entrance kiosk. Pay a $5 fee ($2 for walk ins) at the entrance kiosk.

Rules:
Dogs are not permitted. Open daily 7am-5pm.

The Official Story:
Park information: 707-252-0481
Skyline Wilderness Park website

Map Choices:

60 Hikes within 60 Miles: San Francisco, by Jane Huber (yup, that's me, the creator of this website) has a simple map and a featured hike. Order this book from Amazon.com.
• Skyline Wilderness Park map

• Skyline Wilderness Park in a nutshell -- a printable, text-only guide to the featured hike.

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