Giant Escape

Fires devastated large areas of Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this past summer, but things are clearing up for their 125th anniversary and there's still plenty to see and do. From spooky spelunking and stargazing beneath giant sequoias to hikes less traveled and lovely lodges, here's a day-and-night itinerary.

Week: 10.20.2015
Regions: Southern CA

Nature's Royal Treatment

John Muir Lodge in Kings Canyon

Dwarfed beneath a ring of behemoth sequoias sits Kings Canyon National Park's iconic John Muir Lodge. All 36 rooms in the secluded stone and timber retreat have eco-friendly décor yet retain a rustic ambience. The lobby's rough-hewn open beam ceilings and an oft-lit stone firepla
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Crystal Caving

Explore Crystal Cave in Sequoia

Not all stunning vantage points are above the tree line. Sometimes it’s what lies beneath that’s really interesting! Venture below Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park’s soil and discover an extensive underground system of nearly 300 caves, including the park's hidden gem—Cryst
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Big Baldy

Hike Big Baldy in Kings Canyon

Giant sequoias are the main attraction in Kings Canyon National Park, but the granite peaks around here aren’t too shabby either. In fact, they’re epic. Venture down Generals Highway in Kings Canyon to prominent Big Baldy, the area's highest point, at 8,209 feet. Here you can acc
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Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

2015 Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

This past summer we hosted the 4th annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge, sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Your mission: Get outdoors! Do any three adventures from Weekend Sherpa, post photos to our Facebook page or on Instagram (#WeekendSherpa) and get a free Weekend Sherpa wic
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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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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