What to do in Chiles and Pope Valleys
By Paul Franson
Bayinsider Contributor
Places to Stay
RustRidge Ranch B&B
707-965-2871
The three rooms at this remote B&B are generally sold out on weekends long in advance. It has a pool and tennis courts as well as hiking trails. A country breakfast is included, and it's only 12 miles to excellent restaurants in Rutherford or St. Helena.
Plenty of places in Napa Valley.
Places to Eat
None, though you can buy snacks at Aetna Springs Golf Course and the Pope Valley Store or College Market in Angwin (but not on Saturday at the latter two).
There are some modest restaurants, basic markets and pleasant picnic grounds at Lake Berryessa. And there are plenty of places to eat in Napa.
Bicycling
The mostly flat Pope and Chiles Valleys are great for bicycling, but only a masochist in great shape is likely to climb up from Napa Valley. Better to drive over the mountain. There's a rise between Pope and Chiles Valley, but it's short and manageable. Unfortunately, you'll have to retrace your tracks for most rides since there aren't many circles (one exception being using Pope Valley Cross Road to return from Pope Canyon Road.) Hardin Road is long, peaceful and flat. Be sure to bring water, however. The only places to get it are the Pope Valley Store and Aetna Springs Golf Course.
Pope Valley Intro
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