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  1. Southern CA

    LA’s Urban High Ground

    L.A.’s urban hikes are showing off right now—green hillsides, sweeping views, and trails just high enough to deliver a fresh perspective. Here are three that deliver higher-ground views.

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  2. Northern CA

    Marsh Madness

    The Bay Area’s wetlands are prime in winter and early spring, and with so much preserved habitat to explore, it’s hard to settle on just one spot. So consider this your wetland bracket: three places we recommend right now.

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  3. Northern CA

    Savor These Peak Hikes

    When the clocks spring forward, so should you—on these classic peak hikes. Chase the longer light and savor these summit views.

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  5. Southern CA

    Longer Days for Classic Peaks

    The clocks are about to spring forward. You go up. Chase the longer light on these classic peak hikes.

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  6. Northern CA

    Peak Green

    Rainy, dry, rainy, dry, rainy … dry?! Mother Nature’s been toggling the settings, but the skies are scrubbed, the hills are shamrock green, and everything’s sparkling. These hikes and bike rides have that fresh-from-the-rain glow. Clarity mode, activated!

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  7. A woman stands on green grass overlooking the skyline of downtown Los Angeles from Ernest E Debs Regional Park
    Southern CA

    That Green Glow

    Okay, rain did its thing. The hills are glowing. Now’s your window for vivid greens, sweeping views, and maybe even a few early wildflowers. Hit these urban and wild hikes and bike rides while the shamrock shine lasts.

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  8. Northern CA & Southern CA

    All Aboard the Mendocino Coast

    Where dramatic—and secret—headlands meet a rollicking sea and a historic train winds through fragrant forest, Mendocino invites you to slow down, stay awhile. Ride the rails to a redwood grove with a beverage bar and bonus hike, wander wild bluffs and windswept beaches, then toast the day in a postcard-perfect village with a thriving culinary scene. This is Mendo-time.

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  9. Northern CA

    Last-Minute Romance!

    Roses are red, violets are blue, caught without a Valentine’s plan…we’ve got you! These three outings offer thrilling scenery, lovely greenery, early wildflowers, and bonus ideas for eats and drinks. Sweet!

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  10. Southern CA

    Romance Right Quick!

    Caught without a Valentine's plan? Oof. We don’t have all the answers, but we do have a few suggestions for a fun date in the great outdoors. Get sweet on them. 

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  11. Northern CA

    Big Love on the Coast

    This is the time of year when big things happen on our beautiful California coast. By big we mean elephant seals, currently in prime mating season but still willing to take a load off to just lounge around. Some are also in need of some rehab TLC. Here are three coastal excursions well worth the time for seeing why elephant seals are such a huge deal.

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  12. Southern CA

    Going for Gold in the Golden State

    The Winter Olympics don’t have to be a spectator sport. California has all the right stuff for chasing your own golden moments. From learning to curl to lacing up skates with Half Dome as your backdrop, these winter sports celebrate the spirit of the Golden State.

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  13. Northern CA

    Meet the Flockers

    We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!

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  14. Southern CA

    Sealed with a Kiss

    You don’t need to head out on the water to see Southern California’s seals and sea lions. These three coastal spots invite you to bike, wander, and explore while catching close-up views of these big beauties, with plenty of nearby parks and places to stroll by the shore. Sea, yeah— see ya there!

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  16. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas
    Northern CA

    Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm

    Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.

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  17. A woman sits on a beach overlooking the Los Angeles landscape as the sun sets
    Southern CA

    Cozy Sunlight Hikes

    Go get your sun glow. Winter's combination of sunlight sifting through clouds or beaming in a crisp and cleansed sky makes for some inspiring scenery. Here are three places to go for a hike and to bask in the comfort of cinematic winter sunlight.

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  18. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Parks In Their Prime

    Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.

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  19. Northern CA

    Waterfalls Now!

    When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!    

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  20. A person stands and is looking at Tahquiz Falls in Palm Springs
    Southern CA

    Post Rain Adventure Perks

    It's been wet and wild, so go be wet and wild. With skies scrubbed clean and the H2O flowing, discover the best place to witness a sunset viewing of a "now you see it, now you don't" desert lake, plus have a couple of waterfall experiences. Here are some ways to soak in the start of 2026.

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  21. Wild Willy's Hotsprings near Mammoth Lakes California
    Northern CA & Southern CA

    Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!

    Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.

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  22. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Merry Wetness

    Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!  

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. 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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  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

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  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

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  3. 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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  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

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