I was pleasantly surprised with this outstanding hike from Calistoga. The Oat Hill Mine Trail begins at the Napa Valley floor and steadily climbs to views of the valley and the Palisades above. There are ample places to wander off and scamper among the rocks--for views, bitterroot and fun--before ascending to brilliant, wide vistas of the Palisades and Mt. St. Helena from the rocky, green and flowerful hills. Every step and turn brings more flowers and hills into view. I then took the Palisades Trail through the Palisades, where the footing was sometimes tricky, a little route finding was needed, scampering opportunities abounded and obstacles came and went, until I reached the Table Rock Trail. I continued up to Table Rock and returned through the same glorious lands. This was a nearly 18 mile hike with 4000 feet of elevation gain, and I found it one of the best and most challenging hikes in the area--and I had almost the whole place to myself for almost the whole time!