Napa Wilderness Trail Runs

The Napa Wilderness Trail Runs, hosted by Bay Trailrunners, are set in the ruggedly beautiful Skyline Wilderness Park in Napa, California. Scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, this event marks its 5th year at this location, offering a range of distances from a beginner-friendly 10k to a "beast" 50k ultra-marathon. The courses are known for their steep ascents up the Rim Rock Trail, providing panoramic views of the Napa Valley, Mount Diablo, Mount Tamalpais, and Mount Saint Helena.

The event features four primary distances with staggered start times. All races originate from the south gate overflow parking area of Skyline Wilderness Park.

Skyline Wilderness Park offers technical terrain that requires preparation, especially for the longer distances.

• - The Rim Rock Ascent: The 30k and 50k routes feature significant elevation gain via the Rim Rock Trail. 50k runners must complete their first 30k loop within 6 hours to be allowed back out for the final section.
• - Cupless Racing: This is a strictly cupless event. Runners must supply their own reusable bottles, bladders, or cups for all aid stations.
• - Sustainability: The race partners with Skratch and Gu for nutrition, and notably provides plant-based options for all runners at aid stations and post-race meals (wraps/burritos from "Yousefs").
• - Trail Etiquette: Downhill runners have the right of way. Dogs are allowed in the camping and staging areas but are strictly prohibited on the trails.

Skyline Wilderness Park serves as an all-encompassing venue with amenities for both runners and their families.

• - Parking: A $6 parking fee is included in the race registration. Runners must use the South Gate overflow parking (1/8th mile before the main gate) and show their registration on arrival.
• - Camping: RV and tent camping with restrooms and showers are available through the park website. These are separate from the race registration.
• - Swag: Runners receive a Bay Trailrunners logo shirt. 50k runners also receive their choice of a pint glass or wine glass.
• - Registration: Closes on Friday, May 15, 2026. There are no refunds or transfers, but race credits (up to 75%) are available if requested in writing 30 days prior to the event.

The technical nature of the Skyline trails makes for rigorous course times. Ryan Emory holds a leading performance from 2023 with a 50k finish of 5:07:32. More recently, Ben Wiley recorded a 5:10:44 finish in 2025, underscoring the consistent challenge of the Rim Rock route.