Desert Dreamy

This time of year Joshua Tree National Park's vast desert landscape looks even more golden with autumn's low-slung sun, and at night the sky fills with bold stars. From hiking to camping to exploring whimsical scenery—here's how to see Joshua Tree.

Week: 11.10.2015
Regions: Southern CA

Two Hikes, Trees Company

Hike Hidden Valley and Barker Dam in Joshua Tree

If you have time for only one hike during your visit in Joshua Tree National Park, do two! Located just 5 miles from the park's main entrance—and within 5 minutes of each other—the Hidden Valley and Barker Dam loops combine for a total of 2.5 miles, and make a great way to see th
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Sunny Days Are Here Again

Winter Vacation to Sun Valley

By a show of hands, how many people like a hassle? Traffic jams. Long lines. Crowds. Anybody? It's time to take the hassle out of your winter vacation. It is a vacation, after all! Sunny days are here again, along with the snow—in Sun Valley, Idaho! Just a 2.5-hour flight from Lo
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Wild West Side

Hike to Lost Horse Mine in Joshua Tree

Joshua Tree National Park is wild in more ways than its gnarly namesake trees. Hike the park's west side for a big-picture vantage of the desertscape and to explore a historic mine dating to the late nineteenth century. The 6.7-mile Lost Horse Mine loop is both eerie and beautifu
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Starry-Eyed Camp Surprise

Indian Cove Campground Joshua Tree

No trip to Joshua Tree National Park is complete without a stargazing party and the comfort of a campfire. The night sky illuminates spectacularly in the desert (especially during a new moon) and is best observed with good company. Indian Cove Campground, nestled 13 miles east of
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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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