Petrified Forest

Halfway along the hiking trail in the Petrified Forest in Calistoga is the Monarch tree. Its exposed length exceeds 100 feet and its diameter at its widest point is the same as a full-grown man. Discovered in 1919, this tree is a petrified California redwood. Though you can't walk the length of the specimen, you can peer down a lit tunnel that houses the tree...and just imagine the majesty of the tree when it was standing, king of the forest.

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Driving the winding roads to Napa Valley from Santa Rosa, you’ll be surprised to find a roadside attraction that has nothing to do with wine. The Petrified Forest, not to be confused with the national park in Arizona, boasts petrified whole redwood trees, some 100 feet in length. Privately owned and operated since Petrified Charlie began excavations back in 1871, $6.00 buys you a self-guided tour on a half mile trail and a chance to take a breather between wine tastings. Stop by the gift shop on the way out and purchase a small piece of the forest as a souvenir.

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