Summer Classics

It's summer. You live in California. Get out there on these adventures!

Week: 05.11.2016
Regions: Northern CA

Hiking with Old Friends

Hike Steep Ravine and Matt Davis Trails

Stinson Beach can get packed on the weekend. We recommend arriving early or later in the day. No dogs on the hiking trails. 
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Secret Stairways Hike

Urban Stairway hike in Oakland

There are over 400 little-known staircases and pathways that wind quietly unnoticed up the East Bay landscape. Originally built as shortcuts for an influx of hillside residents to get to streetcars post–1906 earthquake, you can explore some of these staircases on a challenging 4-
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Hello, Sur!

Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur Reopens

Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park recently re-opened, and its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet
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Naturally Nicasio

Cycle from Nicasio to Marshall

Driving through rural West Marin County is one thing. But cycling it ... well, that's where you get that "isn’t it great to live in the Bay Area" feeling. This 40-mile road ride takes in some of the best of Marin: rolling bucolic hills, sprawling farms, sparkling blue Tomales Bay
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Secret Redwoods + Camping by the River

Camping at Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park

Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park is a little-known gem where skyscraping reds (the tallest living trees in the world!) fly under the radar. Grizzly’s ironically small size and location off the beaten path provide near total seclusion, not to mention relaxing camping!
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Russian Ridge Rambler

Hike the New Ancient Oaks Trail in Russian Ridge

If you've driven the Peninsula's Skyline Boulevard, you know there are acres of open space just waiting to be explored. And now, thanks to the efforts of the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, you can hike through some stunning canyons studded with ancient oaks and openin
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Rae of Light

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park Rae Lakes Loop Backpacking Trip

Want special access to some of the most beautiful lakes in the Sierra Nevada? Grab your backpack and lace up your hiking boots for a multi-night journey on Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon. On the agenda: spiky granite peaks, rivers and lakes for refreshing swims, high mountain passes, and starry nights.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Serene Las Gallinas

    A serene stroll alongside marshland, passing ponds and grasses frilled in seasonal wildflowers, with Mount Tam a beacon in the background … how nice. As part of the esteemed Bay Trail, San Rafael’s Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds comprises about 3.5 miles of wide-open trail.

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  2. Paint Brushy

    This time of year you’ll have good reason to head for the hills—the electric-green rolling hills of Brushy Peak Regional Preserve in Livermore. This 4.5-mile loop hike is like stepping into a plein air painting.

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  3. Sponsored

    2025 POST Wildflower Walks

    Get flower empowered! POST’s complimentary 2025 Wildflower Walks guide blooms with the best places to see a variety of florals across the Peninsula and South Bay this spring.

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  4. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Weekend in Reno Tahoe

    Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.

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  2. Hiker walking along the North Bluff Trail on Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park

    Purely Wild

    Channel Islands National Park lives up to its nickname as “North America’s Galapagos.” This less-traveled national park is an undeveloped and isolated series of five dramatic and distinct islands reached by boat. Hike the largest of the islands, Santa Cruz.

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  3. Woman hiking the South Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon

    Truly Grand Day Hike

    One of the best spring day hikes in the Grand Canyon? See layer upon layer of the park’s grandeur—including the river—on this 3-mile (one-way) journey to Skeleton Point via the South Kaibab Trail.

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  4. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles

    Petal Paradise

    Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.

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