Exploring Napa and Sonoma beyond their famed wineries offers a refreshing perspective on these renowned wine regions. Here, rugged landscapes, towering redwoods, rolling hills, and vineyard trails beckon outdoor lovers looking for active ways to enjoy wine country. Unlike typical wine-tasting days, these hiking and trekking tours give you a chance to connect directly with nature, learn about local flora and fauna, and enjoy scenic views that are often missed from the car or vineyard patio. Whether you’re into forest canopies or prefer a mix of biking and hiking, these tours help you experience Napa and Sonoma more authentically and with a bit of adventure.
These tours are perfect for active travelers eager to combine physical activity with local scenery and stories. Some tours emphasize eco-awareness, others mix in cultural highlights, and a few offer a unique twist like riding e-trikes or pairing hikes with wine tastings. With options ranging from intimate guided hikes in redwoods to group adventures on electric trikes, there’s an experience here suited for different tastes and fitness levels.
Quick Overview
Our list features three standout hiking and trekking tours in Napa and Sonoma. First, a walk through the Napa Valley Redwood Canopy offers a peaceful forest experience with native flora and fauna (see more here). Next, the Sonoma Trike and Hike combines a fun ride on electric trikes with scenic trail walks (details here). Lastly, for those wanting a more luxurious day, Wine Tour Pros’ Napa Hike with Wine provides a private guided hike paired with tastings at multiple wineries (check it out). Now, let’s take a closer look at each.
1. Napa Valley Redwood Hike
This guided Redwood Hike in Napa Valley is an excellent choice for nature lovers wanting to enjoy the forest environment of wine country. The tour offers about 3 hours of exploring deep inside Mayacamas Mountain’s lush redwood canopy, where native flora and fauna thrive. You’ll see seasonal tributaries and learn about the area’s ecological systems, making it as educational as it is scenic. The hike includes discussions on the land’s history, local wildlife, and the delicate ecosystem that sustains these ancient trees.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of a peaceful forest setting with engaging storytelling. Tyler, the guide, has earned rave reviews, with one guest praising the “very green forest and perfect weather,” and recommending the tour highly. The small-group format ensures a personalized experience, and the focus on ecology makes it ideal for those interested in conservation and natural history. At $225 per person, it’s a bit of an investment, but it’s a full, immersive experience that goes beyond just a walk.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for travelers seeking a calm, educational hike through towering redwoods, with a focus on ecology and natural history. It offers a meaningful break from wine tasting while still appreciating Napa’s scenic environments.
2. Sonoma Trike and Hike – 3 hour guided tour
For those wanting a dynamic way to enjoy Sonoma’s landscape, the Sonoma Trike and Hike blends a fun ride on electric trikes with a scenic hike. This tour takes approximately 3 hours and covers a lot of ground—perfect for visitors who want a quick yet comprehensive experience. You start by riding a road-safe e-trike, which makes it easy for anyone to hop on—no experience needed. Your guide takes you through vineyards, rolling hills, and local landmarks like the General Vallejo Home and the Mission San Francisco Solano, as well as a visit to the historic Vella Cheese Company.
This tour’s unique aspect is the combination of mobility and exploration—covering more ground than a typical hike while still connecting with nature and local history. The e-trikes are simple to operate, making it accessible for most fitness levels. Guests have praised the guide for their accommodating attitude, with one reviewer noting, “Very easy and very enjoyable!” The inclusion of historic site visits adds cultural depth to the natural experience.
Value-wise, at $175 per person, it offers a good balance of activity, scenery, and local insights. The 2-hour 15-minute ride combined with hikes and local stops makes it ideal for travelers who want variety without a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: If you enjoy physical activity with a bit of a fun twist and want to see Sonoma’s countryside comfortably, this tour provides a lively, engaging experience suitable for all ages.
3. Wine Tour Pros – Napa Hike with Wine
For those seeking a private, luxury experience that blends hiking and wine tasting, the Napa Hike with Wine by Wine Tour Pros tops the list. This 6-hour guided tour begins with a pickup in a luxury vehicle, offering a bottle of bubbles or rosé for the ride—yes, you can drink in the vehicle! The itinerary includes a short hike combined with tastings at 3 to 7 wineries, tailored to your preferences.
Jeremy, the host, is dubbed “The King of All Wine Tours,” and with good reason: the tour mixes a scenic walk with visits to some of Napa’s best-known wineries or hidden gems (depending on your taste). The tour is designed for groups of up to 11, making it intimate enough to feel personalized but flexible enough to accommodate larger parties. The experience is about savoring the best of Napa’s wines while enjoying some outdoor activity with a scenic backdrop.
The only caveat is that the cost is significantly higher—over $1,200 for the group—reflecting its premium, private nature. Tasting fees are extra, but the overall experience delivers a seamless combination of landscape, luxury, and wine.
Bottom Line: This tour is ideal for wine lovers who want a luxury private day with some light physical activity and the flexibility to customize their wine itinerary.
How to Choose
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, preferred activity level, and whether you want a focus on nature, history, or wine. The Napa Valley Redwood Hike appeals to those seeking a meditative forest experience and ecological insights—perfect for nature buffs and eco-conscious travelers. The Sonoma Trike and Hike offers a lively, flexible day exploring the landscape on two wheels combined with cultural highlights, suited for active travelers who enjoy a bit of novelty. The Wine Tour Pros private hike and wine tasting provide a luxurious, personalized experience for wine enthusiasts willing to splurge.
If you’re traveling with family or a group seeking a relaxed outdoor activity, the Sonoma Trike and Hike may be the most practical and fun. For those wanting a peaceful, educational walk through redwoods, the Napa Valley Redwood Hike is a great pick. And if a bespoke, upscale day with wine tasting is your priority, the Napa Hike with Wine will deliver.
Final thoughts
Napa and Sonoma’s outdoor offerings are just as compelling as their wine cellars. From the serenity of ancient redwoods to the invigorating ride on electric trikes, each tour offers a distinct way to experience these regions. If you’re short on time, the Sonoma Trike and Hike delivers a multi-layered view of the area in just a few hours. For a deeper connection with nature, the Napa Valley Redwood Hike offers a peaceful retreat into the forest. And for a premium, personalized wine country day, the Wine Tour Pros experience can be tailored to your tastes.
Booking early is advisable, especially for private tours or during peak seasons. Whichever you choose, these hikes and treks will give you a richer, more active taste of Napa and Sonoma that’s hard to find from behind a glass of wine alone.