New Observations

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Southern California comes up with something new, like some amazing points of view! From urban hikes in Los Angeles and San Diego to a blissful back-bay hike or bike, here are three thoroughly modern observation decks to give you a fresh (and fun!) perspective.

Week: 09.29.2016
Regions: Southern CA

Slide on Down

Urban hike in LA to new observation deck and glass slide at US Bank Tower

Glass-bottom observation decks were supposed to be all the rage ... that is until California’s tallest building—the US Bank Tower—upped the ante by cashing in on an open-air observation deck featuring a forty-five-foot-long glass slide. That’s right … a glass slide for you to rid
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High Five!

2016 Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

Big thanks to the many adventurers who successfully completed the 5th annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge! Hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, sunsets, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, overnight escapes: you guys did it all! Also, big props to Marmot for sponsoring the Chal
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Culture Club

Urban hike in San Diego through Gastown and Little Italy and Balboa Park

San Diego is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and you get to travel through 100 years of its history on a modern- day 5.5-mile urban loop hike that’s filled with food, art, culture, and epic natural beauty!
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Big on a Bay View

Hike or bike the back bay in Newport Beach at Upper Newport Bay Preserve

Newport Beach is well known for having the biggest of things: homes, boats, egos (oh come on, you know we love you, Newport Beach!) … and the largest estuary in the area, which happens to be one of the top spots for hiking, biking, and bird-watching (no, you’re not too cool for t
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Napa's Art of the Matter

    Downtown Napa uncorks more than just excellent wine. Art has firmly established itself along the walkways and parkways in the area, punctuated by an annual ArtWalk (year-round) and a temporary Lighted Art Festival.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax.

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  4. Hike Artdoors

    Add a little color to your new year. This 3-mile loop through the Montalvo Arts Center mixes the beauty of the natural world with local artists’ creations.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Sundialed

    Redding is home to one of the world’s most famous pedestrian-only bridges—the Sundial Bridge was created by the Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava (its sister bridges are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Seville, Spain). The glass-deck bridge across the Sacramento River is a true sundial....

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  3. View from Keys View Joshua Tree

    Trio of Trails

    Get into Joshua Tree National Park Park early and hit the classic circuit of short trails before the crowds arrive. We also have some food and overnight recos.

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  4. White Tank Campground for Stargazing

    Heaven for star buffs: the best campground in Joshua Tree National Park for night-sky viewing, in a place named an International Dark Sky Park, with a full-on observatory just minutes away! White Tank Campground is at 3,800 feet in the eastern part of the park.

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