Can-Do Canyons

The rugged topography of Southern California creates all sorts of magical folds that are enticing to explore, though sometimes “canyon” may be a bit of a misnomer. For these hikes, don’t think Grand; think beautiful—and close to home!

Week: 06.14.2018
Regions: Southern CA

Riverside's Wild Side

Hiking Sycamore Canyon Park Trail in Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park

Wilderness trails inside Riverside city limits? Amazing but true. Sycamore Canyon Park Trail is a 4.6-mile loop that winds through dramatic boulder formations and traverses 450 feet of elevation gain leading up and over a 1,645-foot hilltop that overlooks interconnected trails, r
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Ranch Style

Overnight Escape to The Ranch at Laguna Beach

It’s California’s only National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World. The Ranch at Laguna Beach sits on an iconic piece of land where the mountains meet the Pacific. This boutique coastal ranch hotel was completely reimagined and renovated in 2016. Hidden in Aliso and Wood Canyon
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An Orange Shade of Red

Hiking to Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park

Which is closer: Zion or Orange County? For a quick red-rock fix, we vote for the OC. Namely, Red Rock Canyon in Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park—a 4.2-mile (round-trip) out-and-back trek that gently gains 420 feet along Borrego Trail and Red Rock Canyon Trail. The trailhead for thi
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Two-Canyon Empire

Hiking the Wiashal Trail Loop in Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve

Let’s see ... a plateau that’s an extension of a mountain range, an undulating ridgeline, big boulders, and two canyons: The 6.6-mile Wiashal Trail is a great hike for ticking off a SoCal geology checklist! The trail follows a ridgeline atop a plateau that’s actually a southeaste
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

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  2. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

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  2. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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