Napa Open Space District Newsletter

October, 2026

Art + Nature + You

As we’ve continued celebrating our 20th anniversary, you probably picked up on one of our main themes: in order to improve existing parks, create new parks, expand trails, and cut the ribbons at some grand openings, we have to be innovative.  

Now, with the potential of an upcoming partnership with the di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, we have an opportunity to team up with an organization whose founding mission was based on innovation and the desire to create immersive experiences for visitors. Their tagline is literally Art + Nature! In last month’s newsletter we shared the exciting details and the promise of this partnership, but if you'll excuse us, we’re really quite excited about this, so we’d like to go on. . .  

For the many who have driven by a thousand times on Highway 12, curious about the art museum they are speeding past, we truly hope this future partnership brings further interest towards this local gem and gets folks into their fantastic immersive exhibits, both outside and inside.

Go ahead and settle in as we open up our future guidebook to Napa County’s newest shared attraction.

This partnership will give public access to Milliken Peak, a rare hiking option in the Carneros region, with its incredible viewshed.

Hikers will have the option of a short stroll or the more vigorous hike to the peak— in either case they will be able to view di Rosa’s stellar collection of outdoor art sculptures (there are 72 on site!)

Local parks meet local art— di Rosa was founded on elevating northern California artists specifically— we love the blend of local land preservation and access with an introduction to local artists.

Birders, rejoice! With di Rosa's oak savannah, adjacent vineyards, and proximity to San Pablo Bay, it will grow into a true birding destination.

So, with boots unlaced and settled in, we wanted to hit the guidebook style highlights. But we also want to be clear that our excitement about this partnership comes from having our boots on the ground there: meeting staff, walking the grounds, and viewing the outdoor sculptures and indoor galleries. We just can’t wait to share it, and you don’t have to wait either!

As always, we encourage you to go outside and play, so take the time to check out this local gem and get the best of both worlds, nature and art. Here are a few ways to visit today:

Sheep Roundup (10/25 - see below for details)

Milliken Peak Hike (Offered quarterly - Coming up 11/8)

Visit the Galleries and Sculpture Meadow (Fridays through Sundays)

Winery Lake Birding Walk (Fourth Sunday of each month)

Go Outside and Play!

Events, activities, and programs galore this fall

October's Hike: Exploring Mayacamas Preserve

SOLD OUT

We’re looking forward to our outing to Mayacamas Preserve later this month, but we have to report that it’s already full to overflowing.

Parking at this location is very limited, and we’ve reached the cap for this month’s guided hike. We’ll do our best to add another hike at this preserve soon and will share the details as soon as it’s scheduled.

Hikes here are always a crowd favorite, so keep your eyes peeled for the next one and RSVP quickly!

Coming Up in November: Fish & Watersheds with Napa RCD

In November, we have a different guided hike coming up, the next installment in our 3rd Saturday Hike series. This time, exploring the interconnectedness of our watersheds and the animals that call them home.

Ritchey Creek connects to the Napa River which connects to San Pablo Bay which connects to San Francisco Bay which connects to the Pacific Ocean! Always fun to think about when you are standing at a little creek among redwoods and bird song.

Martin Perales from the Napa RCD will further illuminate our own fascinating watershed and all things aquatic on this 3 mile creekside loop hike at Bothe Park.

Details will be posted soon for this hike. Keep your eyes peeled.

A Different View at Suscol Headwaters Park

Southern access point opening and Ridge Trail dedication

The long-awaited southern entrance to Suscol Headwaters Park is almost here!

We’ve been hard at work cutting in the new access trail, which runs down the ridge to a new parking lot on North Kelly Road. Starting October 23rd, visitors coming from Napa and American Canyon will be able to reach the lower portion of the park and climb the ridge directly, rather than making their way through Skyline Wilderness Park.

The opening of the lower portion of Suscol Headwaters effectively doubles the trail mileage of connected Skyline Wilderness Park, allowing for through hikes and rides.

Look for details and a new trail map on our website very soon!

Play in the Dirt & Give Back

Join NOSD and the Bay Area Ridge Trail in the redwoods at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park on November 7th for this year’s Ridge Trail Service Day!

Volunteer crews will be out at parks all along the Ridge Trail that day, and we’d love for you to join ours. This year, NOSD’s project will focus on trail maintenance and improvements in the farther reaches of the Spring Trail.

Sign up and be part of a regional effort to care for the trails we all love!

Branch Out Your Practice

Hike to Yoga, November 7th

The Hike to Yoga series is wrapping up for the year, so don’t miss your final chance to get limbered up while you’re at one with the forest!

This monthly yoga outing in the redwoods has been a hit, with attendees getting in some good practice in the peaceful shade of the trees. The last class of 2026 is on November 7th, so if you’ve been meaning to join us, now’s the time.

No RSVP needed. Just bring your yoga mat to the Redwood Trailhead at 10 a.m. ($10 day-use/parking fee).

Pump it Up

Eco Fitness Hike, November 14th

Join us at the best gym in the county for another Eco Fitness Hike, led by local fitness trainer Kerry Brackett.

If you’re looking for a workout partner and some seriously scenic spots to break a sweat, this is the event for you!

Sponsored by the Napa Valley State Parks Association, the class is free for NVSPA members, with a $10 day-use/parking fee for non-members. Eco Fitness Hikes meet at the Redwood Trailhead at 9 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month.

Support Your Parks and Donate Today!

Your donations help us to protect more open spaces, build more trails, and help more people Go Outside and Play countywide!