Calistoga lies at the northern end of the Napa Valley, on Highways 29 and 128, some 75mi/120km from San Francisco. The town was founded in 1859 by Sam Brannan who sensed in the hot springs, the natural mud and the geysers the ideal requirements for building a spa. Calistoga (the name is a combination of California and Saratoga, an important spa in New York State) reached its peak in the seventies and eighties of the last century. Since then, vine cultivation has been the main source of income.
The Bothe-Napa Valley State Park is located in the heart of the Napa Valley. There are 50 campsites nestled among the redwoods in the Ritchey Creek Canyon. The park also offers picnicking, swimming, hiking and horseback riding.
Address: Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, 3801 St Helena Highway North, Calistoga, CA 94515-9652, United States
Phone: 1 (707) 942-4575, Fax: 1 (707) 942-9560
About 8mi/13km north of Calistoga, on the CA 29, stands the extinct volcano Mount St Helena (about 4,270ft/1,300m) where Robert Louis and Fanny Stevenson spent part of their honeymoon in 1880 (Robert Louis Stevenson State Park near Mount St Helena with a statue of the poet).
Only 1mi/1.6km away from Mount St Helena between Routes 29 and 128 can be seen the "Old Faithful Geyser of California" which at regular intervals of 30 minutes sends water spouting 66ft/20m into the air (occasionally its rhythm becomes disrupted).
It is one of only three Old Faithful geysers in the world. Picnicking is permitted.
The Old Faithful Geyser blowing water at Calistoga.
Address: Old Faithful Geyser of California, 1299 Tubbs Lane, Calistoga, CA 94515-1055, United States
Phone: 1 (707) 942-6463, Fax: 1 (707) 942-6898
Hours:
May 1 to September 30: 9am-6pm
October 1 to April 30: 9am-5pm
Guides: Interpretive sessions sometimes available.
On the main street of Calistoga is the Sharpsteen Museum, with photos, dioramas and other artifacts from the town's early days when it was still a spa. The wood cabin near the museum, which was built for those visiting the spa is another reminder of these days.
Address: The Sharpsteen Museum and Sam Brannan Cottage, Box 573, Calistoga, CA 94515-1441, United States
Phone: 1 (707) 942-5911, Fax: 1 (707) 942-6325
Hours:
11am-4pm
Always closed on: Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November ), Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Tips: Donations accepted.
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
Read More
Read Less
Old Faithful Geyser of California, Calistoga
