All Stories from Southern CA

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  Tahoe Trio of Lakes

  Three alpine lakes, superb views, and shoreline camping for soaking it all in … Loch Leven Lakes is pure Tahoe wilderness. This 7.2-mile out-and-back in Tahoe National Forest is great for a long day hike, or a weekend of adventure camping among this trio of crystal waters.

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  A Frame for the Sky

  It’s just a 1.5-mile (round-trip) hike on an out-and-back trail to reach Vanalden Cave in the Santa Monica Mountains, an impressively large sandstone chamber.

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  Dripping History

  This 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Orange County's Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park leads to Dripping Cave in Laguna Nigel.

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  Holy Batcave!

  Explore Hollywood history in the western end of Griffith Park on a hike to Bronson Caves. On your way, stop at a rock labyrinth for a little contemplation.

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  Give It the Islip

  With a name that could suggest slipping and falling off a cliff, Mount Islip (pronounced “eye-slip”) may sound like a peak to stay away from. But the hike to the 8,251-foot summit

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  Kicking Butler

  When you reach the fire lookout tower that crowns 8,535-foot Butler Peak, you reach a 360-degree panoramic view that captures the grandeur of SoCal’s most epic mountain ranges—the

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  Cowabunga, Cucamonga!

  You’ll get your heart pounding and your muscles burning with the challenging adventure that is Cucamonga Peak. The summit is one of the tallest peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains, and the 12.1-mile trek pulls no punches.

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  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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  Laguna Campground

  Star travelers can find dark skies and solitude for stargazing only an hour away from downtown San Diego at Laguna Campground in the Cleveland National Forest. Go on a weeknight to

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  Grin and Big Bear It!

  Summer in Big Bear means only one thing: Get out on the lake! The best way, of course, is to rent a canoe, so you can paddle, sightsee, and rekindle summer camp memories all at the

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  Splash Landing

  The Splashing Eagle Waterpark at Lake Hemet proves waterparks aren’t just for kids. This action-packed floating waterpark, just offshore in the 470-acre lake nestled in the San Jac

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  Right on Target!

  Grip, aim, draw, release: That’s all there is to archery! Not really, but a visit to Orange County Archery in Mission Viejo before or after a nearby hike will put you in a zen-of-a

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  Midtown Magnificent

  Stunning murals, outstanding craft beer, a lively industrial district, and farmers markets filled with tasty fare and artisan flair ... it's all happening in Sacramento! Take a str

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  Bonelli By Golly!

  The 6.3-mile Bonelli Park Loop Trail is proof you don’t have to go far to escape the city. It’s in the heart of the metro area in San Dimas, freeway-close to a gazillion people. Bu

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  Buck Wild

  Buck Gully Reserve in Newport Beach is right in the middle of the city but feels like a hidden oasis. As the 5.2-mile (round-trip) out-and-back Buck Gully Trail crosses through the

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  On the Woof of the City

  Pooch-friendly Scholl Canyon Trail in Glendale packs a hilly punch in its 2-mile length, perfect for a quick nature fix or fast workout. The trailhead is just a few minutes from th

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  Believe It!

  A hidden speakeasy, loads of extraordinary murals and sculptures, and fabulous outdoor beer gardens … where? Reno! We’ve said it before; we’ll say it again: The biggest little city

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  Electric Company

  With a paved bike trail between the Pacific Ocean and Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Huntington Beach is a cruising paradise. Its namesake bike trail runs along the edge of the beach and through grassy hills and palm tree–lined beach bluffs.

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  Bolsa and a Nano Brewery

  Whether you’re a bird nerd or just like beautiful views, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach is a must-do in these parts. Its 1,341 acres of coastal estuary are

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  You Up for Yorba?

  Skip the overcrowded brunch joints and go al fresco with Mom at Orange County’s Yorba Regional Park. What’s on the menu? Picnic sites, bike trails, lake fun, and more, spread acros

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