Hikes Stories

Northern CA

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  1. A group of friends walk a wide path surrounded by lots of trees and green grass in Heintz Open Space

    Heintz on Time

    There’s a marvelous hiking and biking route linking three South Bay parks, all within the urban environs of Los Gatos. This 4-mile loop in Heintz Open Space glows green after the rains.

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  2. Can’t Bluff This! (Secret Spring Ranch)

    Accessible right from downtown Mendocino, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is a must. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.

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  3. A woman on a wooden platform looks out to the sea stacks and the Pacific Ocean at MacKerricher Sate Park in Mendocino County

    The Magic of MacKerricher

    Headlands, wetlands, lakefront, and tide pools—MacKerricher State Park is one of Mendocino County’s coastal greatest hits. This wild stretch just north of Fort Bragg packs in miles of dramatic shoreline, an easy boardwalk ramble, and one of the best chances around to spot river otters slipping through a thriving estuary.

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  4. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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Southern CA

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  1. Can’t Bluff This! (Secret Spring Ranch)

    Accessible right from downtown Mendocino, a bluff-side walk at Mendocino Headlands State Park is a must. The marquee trails here overlook not just the charming hamlet of Mendocino, but also the dramatic coastal scenery from the bluffs.

    View
  2. A woman on a wooden platform looks out to the sea stacks and the Pacific Ocean at MacKerricher Sate Park in Mendocino County

    The Magic of MacKerricher

    Headlands, wetlands, lakefront, and tide pools—MacKerricher State Park is one of Mendocino County’s coastal greatest hits. This wild stretch just north of Fort Bragg packs in miles of dramatic shoreline, an easy boardwalk ramble, and one of the best chances around to spot river otters slipping through a thriving estuary.

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  3. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

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  4. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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