Cycling Diamond Mountain Road, Calistoga, California.
Ride 3.3 miles gaining 1,438’ at 8.2% average grade.
A Bay Area Top 10 Most Scenic Bike Ride
This is an exceptional yet brief climb in the northwestern section of Napa Valley.
We believe Diamond Mountain Road is the second most scenic climb in Napa County . . . after Mt. St. Helena.
As can be seen from our featured image and the collage below (top right), there are some nice views of the mighty Mt. St. Helena just across the Napa Valley from the Diamond Mountain climb.
This climb more than any other in Napa County offers a legitimate redwood forest experience. Although there are negligible vineyard views throughout the climb, we are treated to a near-private ride, completely shaded by a canopy of tree branches, (redwoods for much of the climb) and one spectacular photo op of Mt. St. Helena eight miles north. We highly recommend this short up-and-back climb for those travelling through or near Calistoga -- you will not be disappointed.
Some of the beautiful scenes along this wonderful climb.
The best segment of redwoods in Napa County.
A beautiful finish.
Traffic and Roadway Surface Report: This is a very narrow road (essentially one lane towards the top) with no center line, rough pavement, and a fair amount of loose gravel and debris (careful on the descent). However, there is very little traffic along the climb and we rank this as a fairly safe ascent.
That’s a wrap!!