Top 10 2023 Outdoor Adventures

It's the greatest hits of the great SoCal outdoors, and a few points beyond. Here are the top 10 adventures of 2023, based on very scientific evidence (basically, what you engaged the most!). Have a happy new year and see you in 2024!

Week: 12.26.2023
Regions: Southern CA

Rockin' Clevenger

Hike to Rocking Chairs and Epic Views at Clevenger Canyon in North San Diego County

North or south? San Pasqual’s Clevenger Canyon in North County San Diego has both south and north trailheads about half a mile apart. We’re going south this time, for a rocking chair good time (read on)! This trail nets you 5.4 miles, over 1,300 feet of gain, and fantastic views.
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Snow Time Like the Present

Winter Vacation to Zephyr Cove and Lake Tahoe Adventures

zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
zephyr cove resort
This holiday season unwrap everyone’s best winter getaway. South Lake Tahoe takes your outdoor adventures beyond the ski resorts. Your basecamp—Zephyr Cove Resort—has lakeside wood cabins, a beautiful mile-long beach, and plenty of activities.
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Ballona Beach Hopper

Bike the Ballona Creek Path to Beaches and Piers in Los Angeles County

This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.
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Peak a-’bu

Summit Sandstone Peak in Malibu for Cinematic Scenery

Summiting Sandstone Peak is a premier 6-mile (round-trip) classic adventure delivering a dramatic, ever-changing landscape and some of Southern California’s most cinematic views.
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All the Wright Stuff

Hikes to see Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir in Alpine

Hiker going to Loveland Reservoir in San Diego County
Sign for Wright's Field near Alpine in San Diego County
Hiker on a trail in Wright's Field in San Diego County near Alpine
Hiker staring out at Loveland Reservoir in Alpine San Diego County
Next time you visit the picturesque town of Alpine in the foothills of the Cuyamaca Mountains, opt for two accessible trails locals love, featuring Wright's Field and Loveland Reservoir.
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Golden Glendale

Hike the less traveled Glendale Peak in Griffith Park Los Angeles

If you want to climb a Griffith peak without the peak crowds, head to Glendale Peak in the southeastern end of the massive green space. The 1,190-foot peak can be bagged on a 3-mile out-and-back adventure with fantastic views.
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Secret and Surprising

Secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike in Los Angeles

Short and sweet, this secret Sherman Oaks canyon hike is LA’s best. Deervale–Stone Canyon Park has a 2-mile out-and-back that’s a good workout and rewards with incredible views, and a one-of-a-kind surprise!
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Deeper Meanings

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes Tour and Into the Deep Exhibit

Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Monterey Bay Aquarium Behind the Scenes
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
Behind the Scenes Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium brings wonder, inspiration, and education to visitors, including its excellent "Behind the Scenes" tour and outstanding new bilingual exhibit, Into the Deep/En lo Profundo.
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Watson in a Name? A lot, Sherlock!

Hike to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon

Watson Falls in Southern Oregon along the Highway of Waterfalls
Two people at the overlook and watching Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
A hiker crosses a bride enroute to Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
Up close picture of Watson Falls in Southern Oregon
The #1 rule of the unofficial waterfall club? You cannot take a road trip through Southern Oregon and skip the Highway of Waterfalls. This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umpqua River is a watery marvel that’s lovely year-round.
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Flavors of Fillmore

Go on a Ventura County Food Walk in Fillmore

Fill up on Fillmore! This picturesque city in the Santa Clara River Valley is an ideal day trip for finding good nature and delicious locally grown food. Explore it all via a 5-mile out-and-back walk or bike ride.
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Lunch at the Lakes

Hike to a trio of lakes in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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!

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  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.

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  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

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