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  1. Southern CA

    Walk, Wine, Repeat

    Just a few hours from Los Angeles, the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County’s wine country is fruitful with vineyards and small towns with distinct character. Also bountiful? The outdoors! Explore Lake Cachuma, hike Lovers Loop in Los Olivos, and do a self-guided walk in Solvang. Wineries included!

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  2. Two hikers stand on top of Mount Diablo
    Northern CA

    Kaleidoscope Hikes

    With dashes of spring color and wide-open views, these Bay Area hikes are like a kaleidoscope brought to life!

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  3. Southern CA

    Panoramic Peak Hikes for Spring

    Wildflowers, wide-open summits, and wowing views: These three hikes in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire have panoramic summits and inspiring vistas. Spring sensational.

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  5. Northern CA

    Wildflower Hikes in the Bay Area

    Nature’s flower shop is opening up for the season! These Bay Area wildflower hikes are looking fresh and green with sprinkles of colorful wildflowers. Put ’em on your spring bucket list.

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  6. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon
    National Parks

    West's Best National Parks in Spring

    Welcome spring by exploring some of the West’s best national parks. From Yosemite to the Grand Canyon and a few spots in between, here’s a bucket list for your vernal vacations.

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  7. Woman at overlook watching Cataract Falls on Mount Tam in Marin
    Northern CA

    Wilderness, Wildflowers, Waterfalls

    Better than spring cleaning? Spring hiking! As we approach longer days, plan to set out for some adventures filled with green hills, budding blooms, and a few waterfalls.

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  8. Southern CA

    Urban Forest Bathing

    It’s kind of like a bath, but you have your clothes on… and you’re walking through a forest. Okay, it’s not really like a bath. But it’s just as relaxing! From LA to San Bernardino County, these three hikes close to urban environs let you escape for fresh air, beautiful views, and mindfulness among eucalyptus trees.

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  9. Northern CA

    Spring It On

    Warmer days and green hills. Spring is coming like a friend you haven’t seen in a year. And these Bay Area hikes are a great way to celebrate. From a trail-less-traveled to stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge, to a big regional park with equally big views, and a small preserve with mighty wildflowers … put some spring in your step!

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  10. Secret Stairway Hikes
    Sourthern CA

    Secret Stairway Hikes

    We all know we should take the stairs. And that’s just about the best idea when it comes to some of LA’s great urban hikes … with stairways! Here are three hidden stairways for workouts or wanders.

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  11. Woman looking out over the San Francisco National Cemetery
    Northern CA

    Mindful Hikes

    Short hikes are a delight when they've got redwoods, early wildflowers, big Bay Area views, and places to pay homage to history. Here are three to do.

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  12. Woman standing at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tree Grove in Los Angeles
    Southern CA

    Explore Black History Outdoors

    While Black History Month may be coming to a close, its spirit remains year-round and can be observed in outdoor monuments and cultural landmarks throughout Los Angeles County. Here are three to visit.

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  13. Woman hiking the Badlands Trail in Golden Canyon in Death Valley National Park
    Death Valley

    Death Valley Double Dare

    As the largest national park in the Lower 48, Death Valley is wondrous, with a landscape raw and rugged and spirited and sublime—from canyons to peaks and dunes, even a massive crater, here's a plan!

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  14. Couple sitting at a bench overlooking the Santa Cruz mountains at sunrise at El Sereno Preserve in the South Bay
    Northern CA

    Romancing the Outdoors

    Romance and the great outdoors … they just kinda go together, if you know where to go! While we can’t guarantee that these five adventures will put you in the mood, we can guarantee that they will put you ... outdoors! Cupid's gotta handle the rest.

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

    View
  16. Southern CA

    Well Isn't This Romantic

    A three-day weekend that includes Valentine’s Day? Oh wow, are you romance ready? Here are some last-minute ideas for turning up the love dial in the outdoors. Get sweet on ’em!

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  17. Hiker overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains at Upper La Honda Creek Preserve
    Northern CA

    Reserve These A-list Hikes

    The South Bay has lots of A-list hiking areas, and some currently require reserving a spot or knowing best times to go. Here are three places worth planning ahead for in the coming weeks.

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  18. Woman on a boardwalk overlooking Santa Fe Dam in Los Angeles County
    Southern CA

    Dam Good Hikes!

    You just wanna go on a dam hike! Well, we have a few options for you. These three hikes include historic dams and serene scenery. Dam it all, go do them!

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  19. Woman walking on wide open beach in Pescadero
    Northern CA

    Open Wide!

    You like a little room with your roam? These hikes and bike rides are good bets for enjoying wide-open spaces, trails less traveled, and some wiggle room if things get tight!

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  20. Hiker
    Southern CA

    Post Storm Outings

    After rain (and snow!) where do you go? Head for hikes with high points overlooking scenery scrubbed clean, find lush new greenery, and go to the flows ... waterfalls have been turned on!

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  21. Woman snowshoe hiking at Castle Pass overlooking the mountains in Tahoe National Forest
    Northern CA

    Inspiration Points!

    Refresh your outdoors list and head for three beautiful adventures with brilliant vantages and vistas to inspire. From a snowshoe hike to a sunrise surprise, get a new perspective for 2021.

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  22. Woman standing at peak at Twin Peaks in San Diego
    Southern CA

    Secret Heights

    Hike to heights less traveled! These three summits in San Diego County are less popular yet equally spectacular. We hope we’ve piqued your interest.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take it Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

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  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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