Very Local Outdoors.

Me time? Yes, you time! You and any of your favorite hiking buddies. Or not. However you like your space, these three less-traveled East Bay hikes deliver everything from simple serenity to peak bliss, and a plateau with room to roam.

SoCal has plenty of celebrities, but let's face it: some of the best stars are overhead! As we head toward winter, Mother Nature will be raining down meteor showers and, well, regular showers. Let the rain pass. The stars aren't going anywhere! From star parties and sunset hikes to relaxing under dazzling dark skies, these extra-celestial adventures are worth keeping on your radar.

Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

Shhh... Oregon has an astronomical secret. Deep in its high desert lies the largest certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary on the planet. And the stars aren't the only showstoppers. Hike technicolor hills and towering rock spires, soak in geothermal springs, enjoy a legendary cowboy feast, sip a beer where the night sky is on tap, and sleep in heavenly hideaways. This trip doesn't get five stars. It gets five billion!