Cedar Roughs Wilderness

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cedar Roughs Wilderness is situated in the northern end of Napa County, California, and is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts.


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Summary

The area covers over 6,000 acres of lush greenery, hills, and valleys, making it a must-visit attraction for hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers.

One of the significant features of Cedar Roughs Wilderness is the panoramic views of Lake Berryessa and the surrounding hills. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, mountain lions, and bobcats, making it a paradise for photographers and wildlife enthusiasts.

For visitors who love hiking, Cedar Roughs Wilderness has miles of trails that cater to all levels of hikers. From easy strolls to challenging treks, there's something for everyone. Some popular trails include the Oat Hill Mine Trail, which offers stunning views of the valley, the Palisades Trail, which leads hikers through a forest of oak trees, and the Redbud Trail, which winds through the hills and valleys.

One interesting fact about Cedar Roughs Wilderness is that it was once a site for mercury mining in the early 1900s. Today, visitors can still see remnants of the mining activity, including old mine shafts and tunnels.

The best time of year to visit Cedar Roughs Wilderness is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded. During these seasons, visitors can enjoy the blooming wildflowers and vibrant foliage.

In conclusion, Cedar Roughs Wilderness is a stunning destination in California that offers visitors an opportunity to explore nature's beauty. With its breathtaking views, diverse wildlife, and miles of hiking trails, the area is a must-visit for all outdoor enthusiasts.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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