Spring, fall, summer, winter — what do these seasons have in common? They’re all the perfect time to explore stunning Napa Valley. No matter the season, you’ll find days made for outdoor adventure. One of the best ways to experience the valley is by getting active, whether that means lacing up your running shoes or hopping on two wheels. From scenic half-marathons and 5Ks to vineyard-lined bike rides, Napa Valley offers the perfect backdrop for moving your body and soaking in the breathtaking sights of California’s wine country.
All in all, we take our outdoor adventures pretty seriously around here. After all, there’s nothing quite like the wind in your hair or the rush of crossing a finish line surrounded by rolling vineyard hills. In addition to everyday opportunities to run or ride, Napa Valley also hosts a calendar full of biking and running events throughout the year, so if you’re the adventurous type, you may want to plan your next trip with these in mind.
Bike Races in Napa Valley
Tour de Calistoga
This year, Napa Valley welcomes the inaugural Tour de Calistoga, a high-energy biking event that celebrates both adventure and wine country excellence. The event will take place over the course of three days, kicking off on Halloween evening with a reception hosted by Matthew Accarrino, cycling enthusiast and Michelin-starred chef. The next day, riders will be greeted with a hot breakfast before embarking on one of three routes: one that spans 22 miles, one that spans 47 miles, and one that spans 76 miles. Post-ride, enjoy farm-to-table bites and wine tastings, before heading to Calistoga Depot for a celebratory wine reception. Then, you’ll be invited to wrap up the weekend with a scenic, slower-paced recovery ride across the breathtaking Napa Valley Vine Trail.
Crush Challenge
For over ten years now, the Crush Challenge has been raising funds for a variety of causes around the Valley, while also giving participants the opportunity to experience some of the best of what Napa Valley has to offer. The challenge begins with, of course, a bike ride, starting in Veterans Memorial Park in Yountville. The route will take you along picturesque roads throughout the valley, ensuring you get to soak in as many stunning views as possible. Once you’ve completed the ride, you’re invited to enjoy some live music and indulge in craft bites and sips at the event’s all-inclusive food and wine garden.
Napa Valley Ride, Walk & Roll to Cure ALS
Cycling for a cause — what’s not to love? In fact, this charity drive offers the option to ride, walk, or roll your way across six different trails, each of varying difficulties. You can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and no matter which trail you choose, you’ll have folks cheering you on and supporting you all the way to the finish line with rest stops, refreshments, and good vibes. After the ride, stick around for live music, local BBQ, wine and beer tasting, and talks from various speakers sure to leave you inspired and feeling great about contributing to a good cause.
Gals Gone Riding by Ride Napa Valley
This monthly event is perfect for any girls’ trip, or for any solo ladies looking to make some friends while you’re in the area. Enjoy a casual group ride with some fabulous women, and be prepared for it to end with a coffee shop debrief. Ride Napa Valley is responsible for organizing a number of recurring group rides, so even if you miss this monthly occurrence, you can check out their weekly general group rides, plus other fun events they host throughout the year.
Napa Bikefest
The Napa County Bicycle Coalition invites you to celebrate “all things bike” with them at their annual Napa Bikefest, a free, family-friendly event open to anyone who loves to pedal. In addition to a wide variety of free-to-join group rides, cycling enthusiasts can participate in workshops, bike-themed games (ever tried limbo on a bike?), and even a bike swap. There are plenty of games for the kiddos, too, and of course, tons of great food and wine options.
Running Events in Napa Valley
Napa Valley Marathon and Half Marathon
In terms of wine country running events, the Napa Valley Marathon is what’s known as “the big one.” This bucket-list race begins in stunning Calistoga and winds its way south along the serene Silverado Trail, treating runners to vineyard views and mountain vistas. Inhale that sweet, fresh valley air as you run, and look forward to tons of festivities waiting for you at the finish line, such as local food, drinks, and more. Be sure to arrive a few days before the marathon to catch all the pre-race events, too: you’ll have the chance to participate in warmup runs, happy hours, and a carb-loaded pasta dinner on the eve of the race.
Napa Half Marathon
Another Napa staple, the Napa Half Marathon is perfect for runners who are working their way up to a full marathon, as this course offers a quarter marathon option, too. Starting in Skyline Wilderness Park, this event offers a mix of paved and natural trails, giving runners a little taste of everything Napa’s landscape has to offer. After crossing the finish line, you’ll be greeted with a bottle of Napa Valley wine for your troubles.
Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon & Rosé 5K
Everything is better with a glass of rosé — and that includes finishing these races.
The half marathon starts in Napa and winds through vineyards and wineries before ending in Sonoma’s historic Plaza, while the Rosé 5K keeps things a little lighter with a shorter distance and celebratory pours at the finish, plus wine tastings offered throughout the course. You can even opt for a VIP experience, which offers brunch, post-race bites, extra pours, and much more.
Napa Spring Half Marathon
Hosted each spring, this event celebrates the season with a course that highlights Napa Valley’s lush greenery and blooming vineyards. Runners can expect a supportive and inclusive environment, and this race is especially welcoming to newer half-marathoners looking to test their endurance without the pressure of a massive field. Scenic, approachable, and celebratory, it’s a springtime tradition that keeps people coming back year after year.
Napa Valley Endurance Run
This one does what it says on the tin — that is, it’s all about endurance. While this race isn’t for the faint of heart or the inexperienced jogger, the hard work it takes to complete is well worth it. This 50k takes you on a winding path through much of Calistoga’s best landscapes, and even beckons you to the top of Mt. St. Helena, making this race the closest California has to a mountain race. While it’s talked about as the hardest race around, you’ll also find a supportive, community-driven environment ready to cheer you on as you navigate the course. It’s safe to say that if you cross the finish line here, you’ll have bragging rights for life.
Adventure is Calling From California’s Wine Country
Didn’t think to pack your bike or looking for a more casual way to roll through the valley at your own leisurely pace? No problem. There are plenty of spots around the valley that offer rentals, so you can pedal your way through the vines with ease.
Come for the wine, stay for the thrills. No matter if you’re an expert adventurer or a novice looking to try something new, Napa Valley has plenty of opportunities to explore the beautiful natural surroundings we’re lucky to call home. Plan your stay today, and get ready to play hard.
