Completed: April 29, 2023 | Elevation: 2,465′ | Trail: Table Rock Trail (Out & Back) | Distance: 4.4 miles
I probably should have done a little more research about the hike to Table Rock considering that right before embarking on it, we had just spent 4.5 hours hiking the two peaks of Mount Saint Helena. All I really knew was that it was roughly 4.4 miles roundtrip and would take approximately another 2-plus hours. We had taken a short break to refill our water bottles and adjust my boots and it was a little before 2:30 when we crossed the street and headed out on the trail.
Even though it was uphill, the first mile was actually pleasant. The trail climbed through the trees so we had shade, and when we finally reached the marker for Table Rock Overlook I thought we were done. That wasn’t too bad, I thought to myself. Ha, ha…little did I know that Table Rock Overlook wasn’t actually the peak and more importantly, the remaining 1.5 miles to get there was going to feel twice that distance.
From the Overlook we followed the trail around a rocky outcropping before we realized that we were back to where we had started and should have just taken a left. Live and learn. We descended the trail, a gully of cement-like rock, to find ourselves on a flat, sandy plain backdropped by an otherworldly landscape of trees knocked over like matchsticks, boulders strewn about, and cairns marking the way to a set of labyrinths. Who formed these neat whorls and how long have they been here?
At the end of this level stretch, we came upon another marker—0.35 more miles to go. We descended steeply, crossed a creek and resumed our uphill hike through a small forested patch before coming out onto a section surrounded by rock. The narrow trail picked its way through small crevices and we eventually saw the junction with another trail. It seemed that if we were so inclined we could keep hiking another 8 miles or so to Highway 29. Perhaps another time.
We lost the trail here but based on the sign, knew it was to our right, so we followed another hiker who seemed to know what he where he was going. At this point we were scampering over volcanic rock until we finally came to the end and could go no further without walking right off the edge.
The top offered sweeping vistas of Napa Valley. A solitary tree provided shade for a couple that had sped past us on the way down. Having taken the requisite photos and a few minutes to explore the otherwise barren peak, we turned around.
Going back was definitely easier and took us an hour compared to the 1.5 hours to get there. While we were really happy to see the car there was no denying that it had been a fun trail with its ups and downs over varied terrain, and little surprises like the labyrinths. Although it was shorter, it had been harder yet more enjoyable than the longer hike to Mount Saint Helena.
It had been one long day but we had accomplished our mission and tackled three Nifty Ninety peaks. Now it was time to reward ourselves with a shower back at camp and a lovely dinner in Calistoga.
Follow our progress bagging the Bay Area’s Nifty Ninety here.
Coda
I had underestimated this particular hike. When we first started out I was thinking we’d be able to complete it much faster, but this was before I understood what the topography of the trail was going to be like. But ironically it was its topography and landscape that made it interesting and allowed us to push through, past our discomforts. This hike is definitely one of our favorites!