All Stories from "Southern CA"

All Stories from Southern CA

Little Mountain, Flat Top
The rolling hills of East Los Angeles possess many hidden gems, one of which is Montecito Heights Open Space. It’s a bit off the beaten path, and your goal is to reach the “Flat Top.”
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Storied Trail
If ever there was a fairy trail, this 6.8-mile lollipop loop on Sun Valley’s Proctor Mountain is it. The Proctor Mountain Trail is a storied route in more ways than one, starting with its tranquil oasis memorial for a famous writer, Ernest Hemingway.
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Bald Statement
If you’re going to have a rite of passage hiking in Sun Valley, the hike to the summit of Bald Mountain is one to check off your list. This 5-mile (one-way) trek requires some stamina, yet richly rewards with a variety of views and vantages, abundant wildflowers, and the chance to combine a free chairlift and gondola ride back down.
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Two Wheels to Zen
The family-friendly Wood River Trail goes over an historic bridge, past art sculptures and ranch-roaming horses, all amid sprawling green valley and a mountainous backdrop. Roll out from the Farmers Market at River Run Lodge and pedal the 8-mile (round-trip) ride to Sun Valley’s Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
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Sunsets and Starry Nights in Sun Valley
Sun Valley has the distinction of being part of Central Idaho’s Dark Sky Reserve—the first of its kind in the country. The sky here has a signature clarity thanks to dedicated efforts at limiting light pollution. Here are some top spots for viewing and photography.
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Sun Valley Salutations
Sun Valley’s popular Yoga at River Run is located outdoors at the base of beautiful Bald Mountain, amid pine-scented air, the sound of a flowing river, and mountain-to-valley scenery.
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Daley Dose of Zen
Trees, views, and solitude—that’s a top-tier trifecta when it comes to hiking. Get it at Escondido’s Daley Ranch via the 5-mile Engelmann Oak loop, featuring stunning north county vistas and rare sightings of its namesake oaks.
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The Art & Soul of Sun Valley
By its very nature Sun Valley is like a fine work of art ... from the mountainous landscape and alpine lakes, to starry nights. But Sun Valley isn’t just a premier destination for beautiful outdoors. It also has a thriving arts and culture scene.
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Malibu-tiful
Malibu is the quintessential California beach town: 27 miles of coastal beauty and thousands of acres of neighboring parkland. See many of its natural highlights on this 3.75-mile out-and-back hike to Escondido Falls.
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This Part of the Backbone
The Ray Miller Trail comprises the final stretch of the Backbone Trail in Malibu’s Point Mugu State Park, and makes an idyllic moderate beach hike during spring and early summer.
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Stay Sunny!
Minimize the screen time, maximize the great outdoors, and get the family on a trip to Sun Valley, Idaho! From pedaling the rails-to-trails bike path the locals love, to taking your pick of parks.
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Going, Going, Gonzales!
Find the secret geographical gem that is Gonzales Canyon Open Space and explore its surprisingly large network of trails through two hidden canyons on a 3-mile loop.
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Turf's Up!
Crest Canyon Open Space Park is a small and beautiful green space that can be explored on a 2.2-mile loop that features famous flora, lagoon views, and sandstone cliffs.
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Masterpiece Marshland + Beers
San Dieguito Lagoon is one of the biggest wetland habitats in America. Uncover the magical marshland masterpiece on a gentle 3-mile out-and-back urban hike with a pit stop at a brewery.
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Simply Sun Valley, Idaho
A change of scenery is like a breath of fresh air, and you benefit from both when you experience the Sun Valley, Idaho, very few people know. Nature nurtures here in the original mountain town.
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Island Ahoy!
Take to the seas on a weekend adventure to remote Santa Cruz Island (the largest among Channel Islands National Park) and an idyllic campsite coupled with a rugged 8-mile (round-trip) trek to a hidden beach.
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Now You Sea It
The Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest exhibition, Into the Deep, is a fully integrated ocean experience taking you from mesmerizing shoreline kelp forests all the way to the bottom of the sea.
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Arroyo Arrival
Tucked on the border of East LA and South Pasadena, this 2-mile stretch of the Arroyo Seco (“dry stream” in Spanish) bike path curves its way around Debs Regional Park and has beautiful views and features some interesting architecture.
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LArt Walk
Located northeast of DTLA, the historic district of Lincoln Heights (one of LA’s oldest suburbs) is known for its architectural richness and cultural landmarks. And this urban hike takes you through the heart of it.
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The Great Wall of Los Angeles
The Great Wall of Los Angeles is one of the most impressive and beautiful works of art in the entire city. See the storytelling of this half-mile-long mural via a 1-mile out-and-back through the Tujunga Greenbelt in North Hollywood.
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