The Ruins American Canyon Bag Policy

So you’re heading to The Ruins in American Canyon—maybe for a blissfully long afternoon of hiking, or perhaps to pretend you’re a modern-day explorer finding a secret temple. Either way, you’ve got a bag, right? Well, let’s talk about the bag policy before you show up with your entire weekend wardrobe and a goldfish in a backpack. (Please don’t bring a goldfish. They don’t hike.)

First, the good news: you can bring your daypack, your tote, your fanny pack—just not the massive one from that 2008 European trip. The official word: bags must be small to medium—think 12 inches by 12 inches, like a pancake that never ate too much. Why? Because you’ll be climbing up stairs carved into volcanic rock, and trust me, a giant duffel bag will make you look like a very tired turtle. Also, no glass bottles or coolers—they don’t want you shattering a rosé bottle on a two-million-year-old formation. Stick to a reusable water bottle (metal or plastic, please) and maybe a granola bar you’ve been hoarding since March.

A little pro-tip: if you’re bringing a camera bag or a small purse, you’re golden. But leave the rolling suitcase at home. Yes, someone tried that. No, it didn’t end well—the cobblestones ate it for breakfast. And please, no drones in your backpack. The ruins are old and grumpy; they don’t need buzzing.

Here’s the uplifting part: once you’ve stashed your bag, you’ll feel light—like a happy little bird who’s done with spring cleaning. The view from the top, with the Napa Valley stretching out like a velvet blanket, will make your heart skip a beat. So pack smart, leave the clutter behind, and embrace the adventure. Because the best things in life aren’t in your bag—they’re right in front of you, waiting for you to smile and say, “This is exactly where I’m supposed to be.”