A trip to Northern California’s wine country doesn’t have to start and stop with tastings. There is ample geology in the area to enjoy as well! Beyond the terroir that fuels wine production and enology within the Napa, Alexander, and Sonoma valleys, neighboring Calistoga is home to famous hot springs and a geyser worth visiting! The US Geological Survey has even studied this geyser as part of its efforts to better understand how geysers work.
The geyser, called Old Faithful – though not to be confused with the renowned Yellowstone feature of the same name – is part of a young volcanic and geothermal system. Heat remaining from the area’s volcanic rocks drives a hydrothermal system below the valley. USGS studies indicate that groundwater is heated at depth, then it moves upward through faults and fractures.
Studies have also revealed that the geyser’s conduit connects to a reservoir at least 42 meters (about 138 feet) deep. Pressure changes in that reservoir cause measurable deformation at the surface.
Here’s how to plan a memorable Northern Napa weekend filled with wine, geyser viewing, mud baths, and more.
Getting there: Napa has its own small airport serviced by JSX. Otherwise, the closest option is Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, roughly 35 minutes outside of Calistoga. Budget options include flying into Oakland or San Francisco’s airports, then renting a car for the hour-and-a-half drive (plan for traffic if you land during rush hour!) If you choose these, toll roads are unavoidable. Make sure to ask your rental company how that will be handled.
Where to stay: I’d recommend a newer hotel option, called Moon Acre, just a five-minute walk from Calistoga’s downtown. Indian Springs Resort is a popular and longstanding choice for mud baths. Luxury options include the Solage by Auberge or Four Seasons Resort and Residences in Napa Valley.
Coffee stop: Depending on how early of a riser you are, you could journey to Bouchon Bakery in Yountville for coffee and amazing pastries, or stick close to town and visit local staple Calistoga roastery. A relative newcomer to the coffee scene in the Napa Valley is Understudy in St. Helena, which is also worth a visit.
Visiting the geyser: Old Faithful is five minutes outside of Calistoga, and the geyser erupts every 15 to 30 minutes, so no need to plan around its showtimes. There is free parking onsite, you can stay as long as you like, and your admission includes free entrance into the Geology Museum onsite. I’d budget one to three hours for your stop.
Make time for a mud bath: The region is known for its mud baths using local soil, and most hotels offer them. Book a quick treatment before continuing your adventure or schedule an entire spa day at one of the town’s higher-end resorts.
Lunch stop: There are several worthwhile lunch stops in the area. Check out the historic Gotts Roadside for a good burger and shake combo. Choose Oakville Grocery if you are headed south into Napa to taste and/or want to enjoy outdoor seating and a sandwich. Finally, if you want to stay closer to Calistoga, the Calistoga Railway Depot, which was redone to house a bar and restaurant, offers classic lunch fare right in the heart of the region.
Spend the afternoon wine tasting: You can purchase tickets to ride the Napa Valley Wine Train or book tastings at any of the region’s more than 800 wineries. Drink responsibly!
Dinner spots: There is no shortage of fine dining in the area, including Thomas Keller’s famous French restaurant, French Laundry. If budget or mid-priced fare is more your flavor, opt for Rutherford Grill, Fume Bistro, or R&D Kitchen further south.