Two hikers on the ridge hiking to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California

Glow for It

Fun fact: finding your glow doesn't mean choosing the latest facial serum promising shiny cheeks. The natural beauty of a winter sunset can get you glowing from the inside out! Here are some of the best hikes and viewpoints for watching one of nature's greatest lightshows. Shine on!

Week: 02.02.2022
Regions: Southern CA

Sneak a Peak!

Hike to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California

Hike to San Gabriel Peak in Southern California
It's just a 3.5-mile round-trip hike to one of the preeminent views in SoCal, San Gabriel Peak (6,146 feet). And it's even more beautiful towards the sunset hour.
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Rise and Shine in Camarillo

Visit Camarillo for a Mix of Outdoor Bliss and Urban Comforts

point mugu state beach
Ventura County beach sunset
VW Ventura County Beach
Camarillo shines in more ways than one—including nearly year-round sun. Bathed in a Mediterranean climate and surrounded by agricultural “charmland”—especially wineries and vineyards—Camarillo is the perfect blend of outdoor bliss and urban comforts.
Plan Your Camarillo Getaway

Baldwinner!

Hike a 2-mile loop at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in west Los Angeles is famous for its expansive views of Tinsel Town, but this urban park and landmark also offers a solid workout in its stairway and trail system.
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Rock and Roll Hike

Hike Altadena Crest Trail in Pasadena

Woman hiking Altadena Crest Trail
Ready to rock and roll? Honor the late, great Eddie Van Halen with a visit to his old stomping grounds in Pasadena and a nearby 2-mile hike with electric views and acoustic canyons.
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Hill of a Good Hike!

Hike Ascot Hills Park in Los Angeles

Woman hiking on wide trail overlooking downtown Los Angeles at Ascot Hills in Southern California
Ascot Hills Park in East LA is an 83-acre urban respite that's got a short loop hike with excellent vantages for watching the sun set behind LA’s downtown skyline, creating a fiery silhouette.
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Secret Trail at Torrey Pines

Find a secret hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County

Hiker on a trail overlooking the Pacific ocean at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County
Hiker walking along the beach at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County
Hiker passing an information sign at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County
Hiker walking among Torrey pines at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County
Find cliff climbs, sandy strolls, and secret hikes throughout “America’s finest sandy stretch" at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve in San Diego County.
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The Ryan King

Hike Ryan Mountain in Joshua Tree National Park

Hike to Ryan Mountain Joshua Tree National Park
At 5,456 feet, the summit of Ryan Mountain has the best view in the park. Its brilliant panoramic expanse, spanning desert to mountains, and—bonus—late afternoons can feature a sky tinged with lavender thanks to the low-sitting sun.
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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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  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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