Holiday Hikes

Thanksgiving’s in the rearview mirror, but plenty of holidays are just ahead! Instead of the malls, put in some miles on these festive, fun, and easygoing hikes that’ll add a little spice to your outdoors life.

Week: 12.01.2016
Regions: Northern CA

Drake Awakening

Hiking Drakes Estero in Point Reyes National Seashore

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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Road Trip Less Traveled

Nevada Winter Road Trip

Scrolling through your social media feed looking for quick-trip ideas, and it’s all same old, same old? Time to shake things up! Time for a road trip to the most mountainous state in the lower 48 … Nevada! Nevada has more hot springs (300!) and ghost towns than any other state (g
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Hike to New Lights

Hike Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve

One of the best holiday light displays doesn’t involve a plastic Santa or synchronized blinking icicles. It’s catching the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain. The Ring Mountain Open Space Preserve in Tiburon is pretty compact but occupies some of the bes
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Merry Colorful State Park

Hiking Mill Ox Loop in Butano State Park

Red, green, and blue are just a few of the holiday hues. Get your Christmas colors and some solitude on a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Butano State Park on the San Mateo Coast. The Mill Ox Loop has you walking through forests thick with redwood trees, hiking up to panoramic blue o
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. Man hiking up a trail at Montara Mountain, with a view of the Pacific and Grey Whale sand beach in the background

    From Beach to Summit

    No need to decide between a beach and a mountaintop—this hike includes both! Explore the stunning coastal scenery on this 6-mile out-and-back up Montara Mountain and into Rancho Corral de Tierra.

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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. Legendary Deals!

    There are outlet malls … and then there’s The Outlets at Legends! Located just east of Reno in the neighboring city of Sparks, this open-air entertainment, dining, and shopping destination isn’t just a visit, it’s an experience.

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  2. How Do You Après?

    Après all day? Hey, in Reno Tahoe, anything goes! But if you insist on skiing, skating, or snow tubing first—well, of course you do! Reno Tahoe is one of the best places on the planet for snow adventures of all kinds, followed by outdoor firepit gatherings and cozy indoor hideaway respites like these...

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  3. Woman walking in the Venice Canals of Los Angeles County

    Canal Contemplations

    With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.

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  4. Hike A Fall Classic

    Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.

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