Winter Wanders and Ponders

Happy New Year! Take a little time out this winter for walks of wonders, and wonderings. Here are some peaceful hikes to do in beautiful nature respites.

Week: 01.01.2025
Regions: Southern CA

Ideal in Idyllwild

Hike Idyllwild South Loop Trail in Idyllwild Park

Woman standing on hiking trail in Idyllwild, overlooking sunset and mountain scenery
The 2.2-mile Idyllwild South Loop in Idyllwild Park is short on miles but big in every other way possible. With epic panoramic vistas, serene forests, and a big climb in elevation, this trail packs a lot into its shorter length.
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Magic Trip

Fly Nonstop to Telluride this Winter

winter in telluride
winter in telluride
christmas in telluride
skiing in telluride
Ready for a magic trip? It doesn’t get more magical than a luxurious winter vacation where you’re surrounded by enchanting 14,000-foot mountains in the heart of the Colorado Rockies. Telluride is a storybook winter escape.
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Enchanted in Chantry

Hike a Quieter Trail at Chantry Flat in Los Angeles

Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.
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City Looper

Hike the La Sierra Trail Loop in Chino Hills

Located right in the middle of a city, the La Sierra Trail Loop in Chino Hills still manages to feel like an escape to nature, packing in 395 feet of elevation gain to get your blood flowing and your legs moving.
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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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  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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