Deck the Trails

One of the best gifts we could ever get? Open space! And thanks to so many fantastic organizations throughout the Bay Area, we have a lot of it to enjoy. Here are three loop hikes in open spaces that’ll make your day merry and your scenery bright. Bonus: They’re all dog-friendly!

Week: 12.07.2017
Regions: Northern CA

Go, Tell It on the Mountain

Easy hiking at King Mountain in Marin

Want to be king of the mountain? Head to King Mountain, the 108-acre open space preserve just above Larkspur in Marin. Despite its lofty name, hiking King Mountain proves that simple can be beautiful. This 3-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop hike makes a nice afternoon walk in the
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Keep on Truckee!

Win A Truckee Vacation

Nice and easy … that’s how your ski getaways should be! Snow doubt about it: Truckee’s your best base camp for hitting the pow, quickly! Located smack on I-80, you’re 15 to 30 minutes from 12 Lake Tahoe–Truckee world-class ski resorts plus over 100 miles of Nordic trails leaving
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A Very Muiry Holiday Hike

Hike the East Bay's New Open Space Preserve Carr Ranch

We know the North Pole is currently all the rage with elves preparing gifts, but here in NorCal there’s something exciting afoot, too. We’ve got some new hiking open space! Thank the John Muir Land Trust, the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD), and donors for successfull
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Pulgas Pageant

Hike at Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve

Good things come in small packages! The peninsula’s Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve, quietly located off Highway 280, makes an easygoing 2.3-mile loop through oaks and up to big canyon views. It’s also dog-friendly with an off-leash area for dogs to explore. Take the Blue Oak Tr
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    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. 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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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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    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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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
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    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. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

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  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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