Table Rock

We discovered Table Rock after reviewing a wonderful but totally misleading review of the hike in the SF Gate. The hike we were ready for was a meandering stroll with a 300 foot elevation gain, but what we got was a seriously butt-​kicking hike up and down precariously slippery river beds, rock hopping over running streams and a class 4 Boulder scramble before we were rewarded with the beautiful view from atop the windswept table rock. The so-​called 2.1 mile hike took our experienced hiking group over 2 hours, and seemed much longer, but at least part of that was due to figuring out which fork in the largely unmarked trails to take!

Wow. What a fantastic hike. But damn, it is a REAL hike! I do not recommend this hike for anyone who may have a knee injury, balance problems, young children, or someone who is not in good shape.
The hike starts off quite mildly as it weaves through trees and is fairly shaded with a wide open trail. Then within ten minutes the terrain changed and you are having to either climb over granite and smoothed stone of a dried up river bed, or hiking down a very steep incline and having to be very careful not to fall. Spectacular breathtaking views. Definitely give yourself an hour and a half each way with a couple stops in between. Bring water with you
(I recommend at least two bottle pp), and a snack.
My assumption after reading these reviews is that it would be moderately challenging, but this hike is definitely not for the faint of heart! I exercise 4 – 5 times a week and my boyfriend does as well and we are very young and healthy… this hike kicked our butts, but it was totally worth it to see the beautiful views along the way. Also a great hike for dogs!

Great hike with lots of shade and amazing views. Moderate to difficult mainly because of all the rocks. Would definitely make a half day out of it. Wear good hiking shoes! It’s a long, narrow road up to the parking area, but you’ll eventually find it.

Great views! It’s a wonderful place for a picnic once you make it there.

During our stay in Napa, we wanted a little more activity than just eating and drinking all day. So, we packed a cooler with wine, cheese, and sausages and went hiking — to then eat and drink. :-)
The weather was warm/​hot and the trail was a little challenging for a beginner. There were some steep spots, which made it fun. The views were incredible, with multiple spots along the way spectacular enough to make you catch your breath.
We stopped about halfway to Table Rock and lunched near the big boulders — what seemed to be the highest altitude and best view to that point. From where we sat we overlooked vineyards on one side and forest valley on the other.
There are no facilities on this trail (compared to Big Basin, with full restrooms at most of the campgrounds), and the trail gets a little narrow (just a little) after you pass the first big opening.
There is a small parking lot right near the trial head — it is very easy to miss, so keep your eyes peeled.
The drive up to Table Rock was also very enjoyable — half the fun of the hike was zipping along the winding mountain roads.
We didn’t make it all the way to Table Rock (ran out of time), but we really enjoyed ourselves, the fresh air, and the beautiful landscapes.

This is one of my favorite hikes ever! A little under 5 miles round trip with with varying terrain that makes it challenging both getting there and getting back. The view from Table Rock is really beautiful on sunny day as well as on day with low clouds as the hike will take you above them where you’ll have lots of sun and and the view of a sea of clouds below you. The trail passes lots of cool rock formations as well as a fun little labrynth that has probably been there forever. Table Rock itself is also really cool — I alway feel like I’m on some other planet when I’m there. I’d give this place 5 stars, except there are no bathrooms and the trail is not very well maintained and can be treacherous in places this time of year (down trees, rocky eroded trails, not well marked). Good hiking shoes and lots of water are a must — taking a camera and picnic are definite pluses.

Wonderful hike! The drive to get to the trail head took quite a while but it was well worth it! We didn’t walk all the way to the top since it was so foggy we knew we wouldn’t be able to see much. On a clear day you should be able to see the whole area from a bird’s eye view though! Plenty of parking at the trail head and bringing dogs is OK!

The Palisade’s trail has been called Calistoga’s stairway to heaven. I don’t know about that, but it is a freakin awesome hike out to Table Rock.
Having grown up in the area, I was accustomed to seeing these majestic rocky outcroppings up in the hills that hug the northern end of the Napa Valley.
But a few years ago, I went on my first hike out amongst these cliffy wonders. It’s a moderate to strenuous hike, about 4.4 miles round trip. If you’re in shape, then you’ll have no problem! The views of the valley and all the vineyards, especially in fall when they are all glorious shades of orange, red and brown are spectacular and make sure to go to the far right once you arrive on the lava rocks and you will be rewarded with awesome, adrenaline pumping standing-​on-​the-​edge-​of-​a-​cliff delight!
It gets pretty warm up here, even on chilly days (maybe it’s all the exertion) so wear layers.
Oh and bring some water and a snack. The last time I went I forgot to bring anything so I was without nourishment and hydration and felt very light headed towards the end of the trek, which was no bueno.