Best Adventures of 2015

This 8-mile classic Mount Tam hike is one to return to year after year. There are multiple ways to start it, but it's kind of nice to get the uphill out of the way first.

Week: 12.28.2015
Regions: Northern CA

1) Master of Tam

This 8-mile classic Mount Tam hike is one to return to year after year. There are multiple ways to start it, but it's kind of nice to get the uphill out of the way first.

mattdavisstinson_lrg-image-jpeg

2) Hidden Coastal Hike

Big Sur's Garrapata State Park is a coast-hugging beauty with little-known trails leading to a Big Surplus of vistas. Do this 2-mile (round-trip) oceanside hike with nonstop views of epic coastline).

garrapatalight_lrg-image-jpeg

3) Light the Way to Whale Watching

What's the secret for spying gray whales during winter's migration season? Location! And location doesn't get any better than from the top of the tallest lighthouse on the West Coast.

pointarenalighthouse-image-jpeg

4) Strong, Rugged, Beautiful

Jenner and the Sonoma Coast have big views, a beautiful hidden state beach, and sublime (beginner-friendly!) kayaking.

Kayak Jenner

5) Viva Anderson Valley

Just a few hours north of San Francisco, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.

sheepdunghammock_lrg-image-jpeg

6) Tree Swing Hikes

The Central Coast adventureland of San Luis Obispo County is surrounded by ancient volcanoes, green hills, and dramatic coastline. Toss in some tree swings on hikes, and see SLO from new heights.

reservoircanyonswinglrg-image-jpeg

7) Yurts So Good

Set high in the Santa Cruz Mountains, with an entourage of spectacular redwood trees, Mount Madonna County Park is 3,200 acres of beautiful secluded land dominated by redwoods, with hiking trails, four campgrounds, and five awesome yurts!

mtmadonnayurt_lrg-image-jpeg

8) Know Your ABCs

ABC = Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province has a rainforest with a hidden hot springs, epic hiking in Whistler, and incredible lake and oceanside respites for eating, drinking, and sleeping.

blackcombhike-image-jpeg

9) Sierra Secret

The quiet town of Sierraville is basecamp for adventure: Spend the night in spectacular fire lookout, take a dip in a nearby hot springs, and find glorious Sierra solitude on the trails.

calpinefirelookout_lrg-image-jpeg

10) Best in Beaches

Three of California's top state beaches are located in Monterey County—do some sand hopping!

pfeifferbeachcove_lrg-image-jpeg

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. All right, Almaden!

    Take a trip through time on this 5-mile loop in Almaden Quicksilver County Park. Explore the ruins of an old cinnabar mine and enjoy the first hints of wildflower season.

    View

  2. 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.

    View
  3. 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.

    View

  4. 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.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  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.

    View

  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!

    View
  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.

    View
  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

    View