PUC Forest

Mossy rocks in the PUC Forest

PUC Forest

Park Amenity Icons

Note: There is forest restoration work ongoing in the PUC Forest. There may be trail closures or limited parking in certain areas as this work progresses. This important work is necessary to ensure that we have healthy, fire-resilient forests to recreate in.

Activities: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Equestrian Use

Location: The Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest is located in the small town of Angwin, just below the summit of Howell Mountain est of St. Helena. There are several trailheads available to access this forest: Angwin-Parrett Field (1 Airport Way, Angwin, CA 94508), Las Posadas Rd. (264-598 Las Posadas Rd, Angwin, CA 94508), and near Helmer and Sons on Howell Mountain Rd (enter through “The Maze” here).

Hours: Open from dawn to dusk, daily.

Fees & Details: There are no fees at this location.

Amenities: Parking is available. There is no potable water available at the park and no restrooms on site.

Park Rules: Please stay on trails at all times, respect trail markers and closures, and keep dogs on leash at all times. No fires, firearms, or motorized vehicles are permitted. Please see PUC Forest brochure for full use rules.

Maps and Park Notes: PUC Forest Brochure and Map, PUC Demonstration and Experimental Forest web page

The Pacific Union College Demonstration and Experimental Forest (PUC Forest) hosts over 35 miles of trails through a stunning redwood forest near Angwin. Enjoy hiking, cycling, or horseback rides through the coastal redwoods, Douglas firs, ponderosa pines, bay laurels and madrones. If you’re lucky you may see the pair of nesting Northern Spotted Owls, a rare Napa False Indigo, or other wildlife while you’re on your way to see breathtaking views from Inspiration Point in the middle of the forest.

This forested 1,000 acre trail network is adjacent to the PUC campus and is accessible by several different trailheads (listed above). The Napa Open Space District is a proud partner in this trail network and we look forward to the eventual connection between the PUC Forest and Moore Creek Park.

Trail Notes

Not all trails are signed with trail names, but numbered trail markers can be found to help guide you through the park. Please familiarize yourself with the trail map or download this in advance, as cell reception is not reliable in this area.

Horses are to step off the trail to relieve themselves where possible or owners are to kick droppings off the trail. Horses are not allowed on single track trails.

Some trails border meadows that are grazed by cattle to manage grassland habitat. Gates accessing these trails may be locked while cattle are grazing.

About the PUC Forest

For years, the trails of the PUC Forest were known only by word of mouth and even many students at the college were unaware of the 35 miles of trail in their backyard. While well loved and used by those in the know, the trails were unofficial and not publicly open for use. In 2018, the college protected the property under a conservation easement, working in partnership with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) and the Land Trust of Napa County ensuring that the forest is protected in perpetuity.

In 2019, the Napa Open Space District became involved as well and partnered with PUC in a trail license agreement to help maintain and expand trails. The agreement helped join PUC’s trail network to the Napa Open Space District’s set of open space parks and trails as well as joining the PUC Forest to the Bay Area Ridge Trail network.

Learn more about the history of the PUC Forest here and see a full trail map here.

Additional PUC Forest Information and Articles: