Cycling Old Howell Mountain Road
Ride 7.3 miles gaining 1,820’ at 4.4% average grade.
Climb begins near Meadwood Resort, St. Helena
Old Howell Mountain Road (marked at the beginning as Howell Mountain) is a pleasant rural jaunt through the Howell Mountains which run north/south at the eastern edge of Napa Valley. The climb begins at the intersection of scenic Silverado Trail (near the discrete entrance to posh Meadowood Resort). Along this climb, we pass by some (but not many) vineyards, a distant view of Lake Henessey to the south, a fair amount of oak and scrub oak, through tiny Angwin and Pacific Union College to the unmarked finish near Ink Grade.
Road closed to everything - but we went for it - no problem
Mile 1.3.
Mile 4 - turn right onto Howell Mountain Road
Ride through Angwin on our way to the finish - mile 6
Finish
This climb is not too challenging and there is a nice 25 mile loop that includes Old Howell Mountain and Ink Grade that begins at the intersection of Old Howell Mountain and Silverado Trail for those who prefer a bit of climbing along their incredibly scenic cycling trip through Napa Valley.
Traffic/Roadway Surface: The roadway is varies from narrow and a bit bumpy to very smooth and wide. The first 4 miles have very little traffic while the last 3 are on a bit busier roadway, but with a very nice shoulder. This is a safe ride.