Napa Valley -- Atlas Peak and Mt. Veeder

The weather has been so nice, I decided to do a ride in my favorite area - the Napa Valley, though this ride takes in the mountains on either side of the valley. Atlas Peak has been one of my favorite climbs. The ride route is posted at http://ridewithgps.com/routes/267148.

The Eagle Cycling Club has a web page (http://www.eaglecyclingclub.org/hills.htm) that ranks (in order of difficulty) and describes all the major climbs in the Napa area. It describes Atlas Peak as:

12) ATLAS PEAK 350 ft/mi. This is another dead end but quite beautiful, especially in the spring with a chance for a waterfall. The total distance from Westgate Dr. to the end is 8.3 miles with 1830 feet elevation gain. There are several peaks and the first and last are the most difficult. The first peak is 2.6 miles with 910 feet of climbing (watch for the waterfall to your right), then a flat section, rollers and a not so difficult climb to the second peak. After that you go downhill for 1/2 mile or so and then the road narrows for the last third with a few tough pitches. The ride back down is both scenic and a blast.

and Mt. Veeder:

10) MT VEEDER (from Dry Creek side) 486 ft/mi. Total distance is 4.0 miles to the last peak (there are several) and 720 ft of elevation gain. This elevation gain is the elevation at the end minus elevation at the beginning not the total amount of climbing you do but in order to get that figure I have to remember to zero out my computer at the beginning which I haven't done yet. Anyway this is a beautiful mountain and a gorgeous ride. The major pitch is 0.7 miles and 340 feet. Continuing on you go 1.8 miles with 650 feet of climb. Lots of flats and rollers and gentler climbs to the final peak. One heck of a great downhill after that. Plenty of shade. Part of our 100 miler on the Tour of the Napa Valley.

However, I think Atlas Peak is harder than Mt. Veeder (much longer climb). I tend to do Atlas Peak first when I have a choice. Atlas Peak has it own appellation. It's the tallest mountain in the Valley, next to Mt. St. Helena. Rocky soil and rugged, steep terrain supposedly makes for more flavorful grapes for winemaking.

There's a nicely landscaped pet cemetery 1/3 up the climb. It's worth a stop and has an nice view.

Atlas Peak isn't all up. There's a significant downhill section in the climb. The road turns to one lane at the Circle S Ranch about 2/3's up.

In springtime, there are many wildflowers about.

There are lots vineyards and many stone walls.

The road ends at the locked gates of the Sutro Ranch. I would sure like to continue riding to continue on to the top of the mountain. Normally, you see several waterfalls on Atlas Peak in the winter, but I didn't spot any this time. Must be you have to go right after a significant rainfall. Be careful descending Atlas Peak as the pavement quality (especially on the one-lane road section) is not good.

Riding across the valley, the mustard is beginning to bloom in the vineyards.

The climb up Mt. Veeder is rather steep (from the Dry Creek Side). There's a few pitches that are steeper than Atlas Peak, but it is not that long a climb. There is a pretty waterfall at one of the corners on the climb. The weather was so nice at this point in the ride, only shorts and short sleeved jersey were necessary.

There is a nice view from the top of Mt. Veeder (photo from a previous ride).

The ride ends at 52 miles and 3910' climbed.