California 29 North

California 29 north
The first shield along northbound California 29 is situated on the transition ramp from eastbound Interstate 80 onto northbound Sonoma Boulevard. Although not noted on the freeway signs, California 29 follows Historic U.S. 40 through Vallejo. Photo taken 04/02/04.
Vallejo, founded in 1844 by a pioneer of the same name, was twice the capitol of California and is the hub of the major ferry systems that cross the bay. Photo taken 04/02/04.
Historic U.S. 40 signs such as this one are sporadically found along Sonoma Avenue south of downtown. Each sign was donated; the name of the donor is listed beneath each sign upon closer inspection. The historic signs are not dually posted with California 29 shields. Photo taken 04/02/04.
Some of Vallejo is industrial, while other parts are primarily residential. With its proximity to Interstates 80, 680, and 780 and the refineries to the east and south along the Delta, the area is a hub of industrial activity for the region. Photo taken 04/02/04.
California 29 approaches downtown Vallejo, home to a variety of antique stores, restaurants, and specialty stores. Photo taken 04/02/04.

Nearing the center of downtown, California 29 reaches Georgia Street. Turning left on Georgia Street takes travelers to Mare Island Way and Wilson Avenue, both of which provide fabulous views of the bay. Photo taken 04/02/04.
These photos show the former configuration of northbound California 29 at its junction with California 37 in Vallejo before the California 37 freeway was finished. Taking California 37 east leads to Six Flags Marine World and Interstate 80. California 37 west leads to Sears Point Race Track (California 121) and the city of Novato (U.S. 101). Although portions of California 37 westbound are freeway, the majority of it is two-lane highway. It is very crowded, and plans are being developed to convert this roadway to an expressway configuration initially, contingent upon funding availability. Photos taken by Trevor Carrier (Summer 2002) and by Pete Sison (08/10/01).
North of the California 37 freeway interchange, California 29 sees an expressway configuration, with two lanes in each direction with a landscaped median barrier. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next traffic signal along California 29 north is with Meadows Drive westbound. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets Meadows Drive at this signalized intersection. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next traffic signal along California 29 north is with Mini Drive east/west. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets Mini Drive at this signalized intersection. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 leaves the city of Vallejo and Solano County and enters the city of American Canyon and Napa County. American Canyon is known as the "Gateway to the Napa Valley." Home to 9,774 people as of the 2000 Census, American Canyon is situated along California 29 north of Vallejo and was incorporated on January 1, 1992. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next left from California 29 north leads to Kimberly Drive. Photo taken 07/07/07.
This mileage sign along California 29 north provides the distance to Napa (nine miles), Calistoga (36 miles), and Lakeport (87 miles). Photo taken 07/07/07.
Trucks are restricted along American Canyon Road between California 29 and Interstate 80. American Canyon Road is a shortcut to the freeway (without going back to California 37 or using California 12 north of here). Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next major intersection along California 29 north is with American Canyon Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets American Canyon Road at this traffic signal. Photo taken 07/07/07.
A set of Pacific Gas & Electric power lines cross over California 29. Photo taken 11/26/11.
The next left turn from California 29 north connects to Crawford Way. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 approaches Donaldson Way in American Canyon. The next right connects to a tourist information center. Photos taken 07/07/07 and 11/26/11.
The next major intersection along California 29 north is with Poco Way (west) and S. Napa Junction Road (east). Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 approaches Rio del Mar. Photo taken 11/26/11 and 07/07/07.
Immediately thereafter, northbound California 29 (Broadway Street) meets Rio del Mar and Eucalyptus Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 approaches Napa Junction Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 north approaches Watson Lane and Green Island Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
This California 29 north reassurance shield is posted after the Watson Lane intersection. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Vineyards will become more common along California 29 as it proceeds north into Napa Valley. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next major intersection along California 29 north is with South Kelly Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 meets South Kelly Road at this traffic signal. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next major intersection along California 29 north is with California 12, which travels east through Jameson Canyon to meet Interstate 80 in Cordelia west of Fairfield. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 12 is a significant east-west state route that begins in Sebastopol in Sonoma County and extends southeast to Napa, then turns east to pass through Fairfield, Rio Vista, Lodi, and Lockeford before ending at California 49 in San Andreas. Photo taken 07/07/07.
While California 12 east turns right here to follow Jameson Canyon Road east to Fairfield, westbound California 12 joins California 29 north toward the city of Napa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets California 12/Jameson Canyon Road east to Cordelia and Fairfield and Airport Boulevard west to Napa County Airport. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 12 west & 29 north
After the California 37 freeway interchange, California 29 continues north through American Canyon, meeting California 12 at Jameson Canyon Road. The two routes merge together at Jameson Canyon Road and travel north together toward Napa. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 12 approach North Kelly Road, which is an old alignment of California 12-29. Photo taken 05/26/06.
The next exit on northbound California 29 and westbound California 12 is the split with California 221 (Soscol Avenue) north to Napa. California 12 and California 29 through traffic should use the left two lanes to continue north around the city center and bypass the city en route to Napa Valley. Photo taken 05/26/06.
A lone California 221 junction shield is posted alongside the road; the overhead signs advise local traffic to Napa to exit here via the right two lanes, while the left two lanes prepare to cross the George F. Butler Bridge over the Napa River. Photo taken 05/26/06.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 12 meet California 221 (Soscol Avenue) at this traffic signal (this would likely be Exit 12 if the proposed interchange is funded and constructed at this location). Turn left for Soscol Ferry Road south and the Vista Point. Photos taken 11/26/11 and 07/07/07.
A pair of reassurance shields for California 29 north and California 12 west are posted after the California 221 (Soscol Avenue) intersection. Ahead, the expressway will ascend a tall bridge to cross over the Napa River. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 north and California 12 west cross the Napa River via the high-level George F. Butler Bridge (built in 1977). We are traveling due west at this point. Photos taken 07/07/07.
These views look north from the George F. Butler Bridge toward the city of Napa; the Napa River flows through the middle of town. Photos taken 07/07/07 and 11/26/11.
California 12 and California 29 enter the city of Napa. The city of Napa was incorporated in 1872, is the seat of Napa County, and was home to 72,585 people as of the 2000 Census. The Napa River, which flows through downtown and runs the length of Napa Valley, is known to flood; a major flood in 2005 caused damage throughout downtown Napa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Westbound California 12 and northbound California 29 approach Exit 14, California 121 (signalized intersection). At this intersection, California 12 turns west with California 121 south along the Carneros Highway toward Sonoma and Santa Rosa. Ahead, California 29 and California 121 turn north to bypass the city of Napa and lead into the Napa Valley. Photo taken 07/07/07.
As the expressway gradually turns northwest and then north, all traffic for California 12 west and California 121 south should merge left. The right two lanes continue north on California 29 and California 121 around downtown Napa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Another 230kV Pacific Gas & Electric power line passes overhead. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Trailblazers for California 12 and California 121. California 121 is an oddly configured route that begins at California 37 near Sears Point, travels north to Schellville, turns east on California 12 (Carneros Highway) to this intersection, and then joins California 29 north to bypass Napa. The two state routes split just north of downtown Napa, and California 121 proceeds northeast from Napa to end at California 128 south of Lake Berryessa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
A pair of guide signs affords the choice of turning left for California 12 west and California 121 south to Sonoma or continuing straight for California 29 north and California 121 for Napa and all Napa Valley destinations. Photo taken 07/07/07.
This trailblazer for California 29 north is posted prior to the left turn to California 12 west and California 121 south to Sonoma and Sears Point. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Routes divide at this traffic signal: turn left for California 12 west and California 121 south to Sonoma Valley (Valley of the Moon) or continue straight for California 29 north and California 121 for Napa Valley. Both valleys have excellent wine and plenty of tourist attractions. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 & 121 north
A California 29 and California 121 north reassurance shield assembly is posted after the future Exit 14 intersection. From here, California 29-121 will assume a brief freeway configuration. Photo taken 07/07/07.
A begin freeway placard is posted on northbound California 29 and California 121 after the California 12 west intersection. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The first exit along northbound California 29 and California 121 is Exit 16, California 121 (Imola Avenue) northeast to Lake Berryessa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 121 follows Imola Avenue east from Exit 16 across the Napa River and meets California 221 (Soscol Avenue). At that intersection, California 121 turns north on Soscol Avenue through Napa en route to Lake Berryessa. after the California 12 west intersection. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next four exits along northbound California 29 serve the city of Napa: Exit 16, California 121 (Imola Avenue) north to Lake Berryessa; Exit 18A, First Street to downtown Napa; Exit 18B, Lincoln Avenue; and Exit 19, Trancas Street and Redwood Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 splits with California 121 at Exit 16. Continue north on California 29 to the Napa Valley destinations of Yountville, St. Helena, and Calistoga. From Calistoga, California 29 ascends Mt. St. Helena to connect with Lake County. Once in Lake County, California 29 travels north to Middletown and Lower Lake, then turns northwest to Kelseyville and Lakeport before ending at California 20 near Upper Lake. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 north
The on-ramp from Imola Avenue joins California 29 north in Napa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
A California 29 north reassurance shield is posted shortly thereafter. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next exit along northbound California 29 is Exit 18A, First Street to downtown Napa (0.75 mile). Photo taken 07/07/07.
This mileage sign provides the distance to Napa Valley destinations of Yountville (9 miles), St. Helena (18 miles), and Calistoga (26 miles). Photo taken 07/07/07.
Use Exit 18A, First Street for tourist information. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 reaches Exit 18A, First Street to downtown Napa. This section of freeway was built between 1961 and 1964. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Soon thereafter, northbound California 29 passes under First Street. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 reaches Exit 18B, Lincoln Avenue in Napa. The next exit along northbound California 29 is Exit 19, Trancas Street and Redwood Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The speed limit along the Napa bypass is 60 miles per hour. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next exit along northbound California 29 is Exit 19, Trancas Street and Redwood Road. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 reaches Exit 19, Trancas Street and Redwood Road. The next exit is with Sierra Avenue (0.75 mile). Photo taken 07/07/07.
Gore point signage for Exit 19 (Trancas Street and Redwood Road) includes the exit number. Photo taken 07/07/07.
End freeway signs flank the main lanes of northbound California 29, while the off-ramp to Exit 19 advises a right turn to Trancas Street and left turn to Redwood Road. This section of freeway was built in 2003 and 2004. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next exit along northbound California 29 is Exit 20A, Sierra Avenue (next right). Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets Exit 20A, Sierra Avenue. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next exit along northbound California 29 is Exit 20B, Trower Avenue (next traffic signal). Photo taken 07/07/07.
The freeway ends as northbound California 29 approaches the traffic signal for Trower Avenue in northern Napa. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 next approaches the signalized intersection with Wine Country Avenue. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The next signalized intersection along northbound California 29 is with Salvador Avenue. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 meets Salvador Avenue. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Leaving the suburban areas north of Napa, northbound California 29 sees more vineyards along its route. Most tours to Napa Valley wineries lead north along California 29 or Silverado Trail. A good map (such as the AAA Wine Map) would be helpful to plan your stops. A Wine Train also parallels California 29 through the valley. Photo taken 11/26/11.
The next traffic signal along California 29 north is with Oak Knoll Avenue. Photo taken 07/07/07.
California 29 passes through some gorgeous Napa Valley pastoral areas in between vineyards. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 approaches Darms Lane and Washington Street. Turn right on Washington Street to follow the old alignment of California 29 north into Yountville. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Continuing north, California 29 again sees a brief freeway configuration near Yountville. The next interchange is Exit 27, California Drive to the town of Yountville (one-half mile). This interchange was built in 1959 and widened in 1970, making it the oldest such interchange in Napa Valley. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Motorist services (food, lodging) are available in quaint Yountville. The old alignment of California 29, which parallels the freeway on the east side, passes through downtown Yountville and serves several wineries located in town. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Use California Drive (Exit 27) to the historic Veterans Home of California and Lincoln Theater. Photo taken 07/07/07.
The town of Yountville is the second of many quaint cities, towns, and rural communities that line California 29 in the scenic Napa Valley. Yountville had a population of 2,916 as of the 2000 Census and incorporated on February 4, 1965. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Northbound California 29 reaches Exit 27, California Drive to the town of Yountville and the California Veterans Home. This sign was replaced by 2011 to say "California Drive" rather than "Yountville." Photo taken 07/07/07.
Now on the off-ramp, turn right to the visitors center and most wineries in downtown Yountville. Photo taken 07/07/07.
A final sign on the off-ramp is the only one to indicate that the interchange is with California Drive. Turn left to the California Veterans Home or right to downtown Yountville. Photo taken 07/07/07.
Back on the mainline, California 29 sees a grade separated interchange with Exit 27, California Drive. After this interchange, the expressway will end, and California 29 will revert to a two-lane rural highway. Photos taken 11/26/11.
A California 29 north reassurance shield is posted after the on-ramp from California Drive. Photo taken 11/26/11.
The next signalized intersection along California 29 north is with Madison Street. Turn right for a visitors information center. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 (St. Helena Highway) meets Madison Street at this traffic signal. Photo taken 11/26/11.
This mileage sign along California 29 (St. Helena Highway) north provides the distance to Oakville (three miles), Calistoga (17 miles), and Lakeport (67 miles). Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 (St. Helena Highway) approaches Washington Street. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 (St. Helena Highway) approaches Yount Mill Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
California 29 (St. Helena Highway) enters Oakville, an unincorporated community of Napa County. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Turn left for Oakville Grade west to California 12 in the Sonoma Valley via Dry Creek Road and Trinity Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 approaches a right turn for Oakville Cross Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Leaving Oakville, this mileage sign provides the distance to St. Helena (five miles), Calistoga (14 miles), and Lakeport (64 miles). Photo taken 11/26/11.
Acres and acres of vineyards, anchored by estate-style wineries, dominate the landscape in the heart of Napa Valley. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Winery signs, including this one advertising for Turnbull Wine Cellars, line both sides of the highway it advances north toward St. Helena. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Approaching Rutherford, northbound California 29 will meet and join together with California 128 between Rutherford and Calistoga. Turn right (east) on California 128 to Conn Dam, Lake Berryessa, Winters, and Davis. Photo taken 11/26/11.
A pair of trailblazers is posted shortly thereafter. Continue straight ahead for California 29 north and California 128 west to St. Helena and Calistoga. Photo taken 11/26/11.
California 29 north & 128 west
Fall colors intensified the view along California 29 north and California 128 west in Rutherford. Photo taken 11/26/11.
And the first shared reassurance shield for California 29 north and California 128 west is posted shortly thereafter. Note that generally no cardinal directions are posted on the shield assemblies for these two routes. Photo taken 11/26/11.
California 29 north and California 128 west approach Galleron Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
More fall colors shine along California 29-128 between Rutherford and St. Helena. Photo taken 11/26/11.
The busy two-lane highway can be quite busy, especially during weekends when visitors flock to the valley for wine tasting events. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Approaching Whitehall Lane, California 29-128 prepare to cross over the Napa Valley Wine Train tracks. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Just outside of St. Helena, California 29-128 pass by the V. Sattui winery, which was awarded the "2011 Winery of the Year." Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 enter the city of St. Helena, "The Heart of Napa Valley." St. Helena's population was 5,814 people as of the 2010 Census. The city was incorporated on March 24, 1876, and was reincorporated on May 14, 1889. Photo taken 11/26/11.
The wine train continues to parallel California 29-128 as the highway enters St. Helena. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Entering downtown St. Helena, California 29 and California 128 approach a left turn to Mitchell Drive and a right turn to Pope Street. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Toward the north end of St. Helena, California 29 and California 128 approach the left turn to Beringer Brothers Winery, a registered California historic site. Photo taken 11/26/11.
A canopy of changing leaves dominates the view as California 29 and California 128 pass by Beringer Brothers Winery. In the summer, this canopy is green. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 approach Pope Valley Road east to Angwin, Pope Valley, and Pacific Union College. Photo taken 11/26/11.
After the Pope Valley Road intersection, a sole California 29 north reassurance shield is posted (California 128 west is omitted). Photo taken 11/26/11.
The truck route for California 29 ends six miles ahead, at the base of the Mt. St. Helena grade. The best truck route into Lake County is via California 20. Photo taken 11/26/11.
A mileage sign provides the distance to Calistoga (seven miles), Geyserville (31 miles via California 128 west), and Lakeport (57 miles via California 29 north). Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 approach Lodi Lane. Photo taken 11/26/11.
This view looks east from northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 during late fall. Photo taken 11/26/11.
After passing by the turnoff to the Bale Grist Mill State Historic Park, northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 approach Big Tree Road. Photo taken 11/26/11.
California 29 and California 128 shields are posted after this intersection. Photo taken 11/26/11.
Northbound California 29 and westbound California 128 approach Larkmead Lane and Napa Valley State Park. The two highways continue to share alignment all the way to Calistoga. Photo taken 11/26/11.
A couple miles further northwest, northbound California 29 and California 128 split in Calistoga. From this intersection, California 128 proceeds northwest toward Healdsburg and U.S. 101 before terminating at California 1 at the Pacific coast. California 29, meanwhile, turns north into downtown Calistoga by making a right here. Note that the control city is now Lakeport, even though California 29 has not yet passed through the city center of Calistoga. Photo taken by by Pete Sison (08/10/01).

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Page Updated November 29, 2011.

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