I'm planning a trip to the Napa and Sonoma regions later this year (likely in May). I enjoy landscape photography would appreciate any suggestions about scenic places to visit in the area.

Thanks
Robj

The Petrified Forest is pretty cool, as is the Old Faithful geyser in Callistoga. But you can find camera-worthy subject matter almost anywhere if you're willing to get off the main highways like 12 and explore a bit. 121 from Napa to Lake Berryessa is pretty scenic, but many of the good vista points have no place to park; you'll need an accomplice to drop you off, and come back when you're done shooting. Get a good map, and explore the back roads. If you want to get adventurous, get a 4WD vehicle and explore the trails between Lake Berryessa and Clear Lake near Rumsey:



It's rugged, but there's some awesome vistas there. You might wnat to get a good GPS with map. The gray lines are 2-track trails; Hwy 16 is the only road likely to show up on a map. The trail to the point marked "excellent sunset vista" leaves Hwy 16 at a park; it's kind of hard to find, but well worth the effort. Here's a sample of what you can find:

Click to view attachment

A poster on this board before pointed out the excellent collection of prints at the Turnbull winery, which sounds very worthwhile (though I have not yet made it myself). Look into it during those hours of indiferent light.

Thanks Jonathan for all the info

You're welcome.

The entire area is pretty photogenic. Hundreds of wineries in both Napa and Sonoma counties.

You can navigate the entire area on backroads which is where the real scenery is. From Santa Rosa via River Road to Calistoga and on to Napa. From Healdsburg to Calistoga. From Healdsburg to Lake Sonoma. From Cloverdale to Mendocino. From north of Santa Rosa via River Road to Bodega Bay on the coast.

On 101 past Healdsburg every exit you take can lead you to great roads whether you exit right or left.

All the back roads are paved and around every corner is winery or a great vista.


Michael