San Francisco's Colorful Outdoors

Ready for a radiant year? From a hike to an urban wander and a historic gem in Golden Gate Park, these colorful San Francisco adventures will have you looking on the bright side this 2018.

Week: 01.11.2018
Regions: Northern CA

Paint the Town!

San Francisco Mural Walk from Tendernob to Chinatown

Ready to paint the town? This 1.6-mile easy urban walk from the Tendernob to Chinatown brightens winter days with bursts of color from some of the city’s newest murals. Start your walk at the corner of Van Ness and Hemlock. Completed in September, Hemlock Alley is the newest addi
Read the full story

Walk on the Wise Side

Walking the Philosopher's Way Trail in SF

A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (San Francisco’s second largest park, after Golden Gate). The path gently dips and ascends from eucaly
Read the full story

Carousel of Dreams

Historic Carousel in SF's Golden Gate Park

When was the last time you got on a merry-go-round? That long ago, eh! Take a trip back in time on a truly historic carousel located in Golden Gate Park. Built in 1914, this colorful gem is iconic in the park, yet surprisingly not well known. A beauty of over 60 animal figures an
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  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.

    View

  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.

    View
  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.

    View

  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.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  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.

    View

  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!

    View
  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.

    View
  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

    View