All in Northern CA

  1. Lakes Basin Camping and Hiking in the Sierra Nevada

    Secret Sierra

    The Lakes Basin is the High Sierra, simplified. About one hour northwest of Tahoe you'll find chill lakeside camping, miles of uncrowded hiking trails, and a lookout like no other.

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  2. Hidden Labyrinth Hikes and Bike Rides in the Bay Area

    Hidden Labyrinths

    Meditative, contemplative, creative, and sometimes just simply fun, labyrinths seem to pop up all over the Bay Area. Here are three to discover on hikes and bike rides.

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  3. Hike-in to Marin's Black Sands Beach

    A Midsummer Weekend's Dream

    Get your midsummer mojo workin' with river kayaking, ridgetop hikes and bike rides, and a hideaway beach. These are some great ways to mix it up outdoors this summer.

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  4. Sponsored

    Boo-tifall Reno Tahoe

    Fall goes fast. Good thing Reno Tahoe knows how to make the good times last, with some of the West’s best harvest fairs, haunted happenings, and only-in-Reno celebrations.

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  5. Crater Lake Southern Oregon Road Trip

    The Road Trip Less Traveled

    A beautiful national park, wild and scenic rivers, hike-in hot springs, tent cabins in the mountains, peak hikes, wine tasting: do a road trip to Southern Oregon!

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  6. Bay Area Ridgetop Hikes and Bike Rides

    Ridgetop Views

    Peak hikes get a lot of attention. But what about ridgetop rambles? These hikes and bike rides in the Bay Area traverse amazing ridges for some seriously cinematic outdoors.

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  7. Hike in Beaches Marin San Francisco Bay Area

    Hike-in Beach Havens

    We’re spoiled in California with so much beautiful shoreline. But the best stuff? Well, you gotta hike to get to it. Here are three Bay Area beaches to put on your summer list.

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  8. Angel Island Hike and Beach in San Francisco Bay

    Angel Island Re-opens

    When it comes to iconic Bay Area scenery, there’s something quite heavenly about Angel Island. Hike to its peak hike for panoramic views, chill out at a secret beach, or bike the Perimeter Road.

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  9. Hike Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve near Half Moon Bay

    Outdoors Fourth Sure!

    While this certainly won't be your typical Fourth of July, we're lucky we have some beautiful outdoors. Check out our New Rules of the Trail, and check out these hikes and bike rides. Be safe, happy Fourth!

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  10. Hike Tomales Point Trail Point Reyes

    Point Reyes Forever

    We heart Point Reyes for all the reasons: spectacular open space, epic coastline, beautiful beaches, dramatic promontories, and wildlife of all kinds ... Here are three classic adventures in this stunning, natural wanderland.

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  11. Hike Mount Tam Tree Swing Dipsea Trail Stinson

    OMG These Hikes!

    Some hikes have that extra little something that makes them classics. In this case, it's the views you get on the trail. We're celebrating our new site with some favorite hikes.

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  12. Hike Mist Trail Yosemite Nevada Vernal Falls

    Yosemite Re-Opens

    (whispering...) We don't want to cause a mad rush, but the Sierra Nevada's Shangri-La has re-opened! With visitation limited to about 50% of normal, it's a great time to hit the trails.

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  13. Taft Point Yosemite Sunset

    The Outdoors for Everyone

    Since 2006 our credo has been "the outdoors for everyone.” This was meant to inspire outdoor adventures for anybody, regardless of experience level, age, income, gender, or race.

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  14. Mount Burdell Hike Marin

    Out You Go

    As parks continue to re-open, going outdoors is making a comeback. And we're pretty excited. Here are some hikes in various counties across Northern California to get you inspired. As always, check official websites for information and updates before you go, since statuses may change. Enjoy your local trails!

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  15. Sponsored

    Boo-tifall Reno Tahoe

    Fall goes fast. Good thing Reno Tahoe knows how to make the good times last, with some of the West’s best harvest fairs, haunted happenings, and only-in-Reno celebrations.

    View
  16. Bike Golden Gate Park San Francisco

    Easing Back Into the Outdoors

    (Dipping pinky toe in...) We're easing into the outdoors again. Here's a list of some hikes (and bike rides) that are open as of this week. Stay safe, enjoy your parks, and let's keep outside open!

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  17. Sequoia National Park

    Shortlist These National Parks

    We love our national parks. So we created a shortlist of the top parks to visit, and the best hikes to do, once they re-open. We can't wait to get back!

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  18. New Rules of the Trail

    New Rules of the Trail

    As parks around California begin to re-open, we came up with tips for being responsible on your outdoor adventures. Let’s do our part so we can all keep enjoying the parks!

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  19. Weekend Sherpa Team

    The Outdoors We're Craving

    We're sharing what adventures we're most craving and plan to do as soon as the time is right

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  20. How to #OptInside during Shelter in Place

    How to #OptInside

    Getting a little stir crazy? Covid-19 has unfortunately shut down a lot of open space. What to do? We have a few ways to bring the great outdoors indoors. We've called it #OptInside. Check out the list of easy things to do indoors.

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  21. Social Distance Hike and Bike Rides

    Social Distance Hikes and Bike Rides

    Social Distance Hikes and Bike Rides (with important ways for safety during coronavirus)

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  22. Bay Area hikes to keep your calm

    Hikes to Keep Your Calm

    From redwoods to rolling hills and seaside bluffs, these three hikes are great for the soul

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

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  1. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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