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  1. Redding

    Redding For You

    New Year, new adventures: Get Redding for a 2025 group getaway. This sunniest city in California is surrounded by Lassen, Shasta, and mountainous Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. Here are a few itineraries that get you up-close animal encounters at Turtle Bay, bike riding by murals, urban food and art, even line dancing lessons at a family-friendly warehouse brew pub. Are you Redding?

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  2. Northern CA

    Try Something New

    Ready to do something new? From beginner-friendly scenic mountain biking, and a superb spot for spying Mavericks' big waves, to a park where you can hike and explore the great artdoors, here are three great ways to kick off 2025.

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  3. Southern CA

    Taking a Time Out

    Given the terrible devastations resulting from the firestorms, we're taking a pause on this week's issue for Southern California. Please stay safe, SoCal. Our thoughts are with all those affected by these fires. Thank you to our first responders and aid organizations.

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  4. Sponsored
    2025-03-26

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

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  5. woman hiking Mendocino Headland bluffs
    Northern CA

    Bluffing Good Hikes for 2025

    Happy New Year! Plan some time for quiet contemplations and tranquil respites where you can think about 2025 and nurture yourself in nature. Here are three brilliant bluff hikes to find time for peace of mind. 

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  6. Southern CA

    Winter Wanders and Ponders

    Happy New Year! Take a little time out this winter for walks of wonders, and wonderings. Here are some peaceful hikes to do in beautiful nature respites.

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  7. Northern CA

    Top 10 Adventures of 2024

    Looking back, looking forward. As we wish you a 2025 filled with your favorite places and people and experiences, we wanted to share some of your favorite Weekend Sherpa stories in 2024. Here's the Top 10 of this past year. Onward!

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  8. Southern CA

    Top of the Year!

    There were a lot of interesting and fun things to do outside in 2024, but these outdoor pursuits had a little extra zest. Here are the top 10 stories of the year. Wishing you and yours all the best as we close out the holiday season. See you in 2025!

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  9. Northern CA

    A Most Viewtiful Holiday Season

    Wishing you happy holidays and time to find inspiration outdoors. Next week is our Top 10 Adventures of 2024 issue, and in the meantime check out these three San Francisco parks where you can find viewtiful inspiration over the holidays.

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  10. Southern CA

    Make Santa Jealous Hikes and Bike Rides

    Happy holidays to all, and to all a good beach hike ... or bike! If the weather outside isn't frightful, head to Santa's favorite place for Vitamin D with these three less-known beach hike and bike rides.

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  11. Northern CA

    Silent Hikes

    We like the festive, but sometimes you need a nature break. These are three of the best hikes you do for tranquil settings amid trees, water, glittering views, and a labyrinth.

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  12. Southern CA

    Spirited Away Hikes

    With the holidays in full gear, add some festive fun to your next hike. From Big Bear to Cherry Valley, here are three places to enjoy hikes with big views, wildlife, and a little peace and quiet. They’re also near to towns, farms, stores, and food spots that are fully in the spirit!

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  13. Woman standing on rocks overlooking mountain scenery at sunset in Los Angeles County at Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley
    Southern CA

    Short Sunset Hikes for the Holidays

    Shorter days and crisper air do bring a bonus: late day hikes can be beautiful thanks to the sun's golden touch. These three hikes are beautiful, short, and sunset sweet.

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  14. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.
    Northern CA

    Tranquility in the Trees

    If you find yourself in overdrive during the season of holly jolly, take a tree break. These three Bay Area hikes, including a new trail, offer tranquility amid oaks, redwoods, and mixed forest.

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  15. Sponsored
    2025-03-26

    Hidden Gems of Reno Tahoe

    Step into a land where adventure meets relaxation. Reno Tahoe is where the spirit of the great outdoors and the energy of vibrant city life inspire you to live with no limits.

    View
  16. Northern CA

    Take a Break from Turkey Talk

    Hey! We're here too. Ready for some fresh air? We think these outings are really great, and that's not the turkey talking....

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  17. Woman hiking along the Vicente Bluffs Trail in Rancho Palos Verdes Southern California. The ocean is paralleling the trail.
    Southern CA

    Fresh Air Ahead

    Oh, fancy meeting you here! Looking for some fresh air? We like these lovely hikes that'll have you back in time for pumpkin pie.

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  18. Reno Tahoe

    Reno Tahoe Care Package

    This season give someone (and yourself!) the ultimate care package. Experience Reno Tahoe in a whole new light. This Biggest Little City in the World combines tranquility in mountainous nature with sizzling entertainment, vibrant art, and a stellar food and drink culture. It’s where sunset hikes and soothing natural hot springs intersect with disco tubing and fireside après. And then there’s this giant indoor Ferris wheel….

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  19. Northern CA

    Simply Ahhhtumn

    Take a breather with some easy and tranquil autumn hikes. See the changing colors, absorb beautiful views, and find tranquility at these three parks and preserves across the Bay Area.

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  20. Southern CA

    Fall Reset

    Ready, set, ready for a fall reset? Take a breather on these three fall-filling hikes.

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  21. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background
    Northern CA

    Hikes to Clear the Cobwebs

    Who needs some fresh air? Thanks to various organizations in the San Francisco Bay Area, these hikes are a vital part of lands saved from development and turned into nature havens for people and wildlife.

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  22. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County
    Southern CA

    Waterside Walks

    Water, walking, waterside walking…take it easy and catch your breath on these tranquil strolls.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Waterfalls and Wine Pours

    Cooler temps, green hills, and the return of our magnificent waterfalls! This family-friendly 2-mile hike at Uvas Canyon County Park in Morgan Hill is a great way to get the most out of a short hike post-rain.

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  2. Woman hiker is climbing up the ladder in the Steep Ravine section of the Dipsea Loop Trail on Mount Tam

    Misty on Mount Tam

    Mount Tam’s 3.9-mile round-trip Steep Ravine and Dipsea Trail Loop weathers the wets and wilds with some confidence, sheltered in parts by redwoods, and wowing with a waterfall.

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  3. Mile-Long Cataract Club

    In winter after heavy rains, the north flank of Mount Tam glows with flows. The nearly mile-long series of waterfalls—Cataract Falls—transforms into a supercharged spectacle. Starting at Alpine Dam, a 1.6 mile (one-way) narrow trails threads through redwoods and ferns along Cataract Creek.

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  4. Hidden Long Ridge

    After heavy rains, the rolling headwaters of Peters Creek in Long Ridge Open Space Preserve pulsate along the forest floor via a series of small waterfalls that cut grooves in sandstone boulders. See it on a 4.5-mile loop hike starting from the Grizzly Flat parking lot.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Peace Labyrinth

    Hidden in LA’s historic West Adams district, the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens is a welcome respite from the norms of urban noise.

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  2. 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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  3. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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  4. People gathered around a tree at an LA Park as part of the Tree Tour led by Stephanie Carrie

    LA's Tree Tour

    Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour

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