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  1. A hiker walks towards Leo Carrillo Beach via a hiking trail in Malibu
    Southern CA

    Sweeping Beauties

    Awaken your sense of wonder on some coastal hikes and bike rides that get you all swept up in gorgeous scenery.

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  2. Northern CA & Southern CA

    The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge Is On!

    It's back! The 2025 Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is on. Get outside and get a complimentary Adventure Challenge t-shirt and Topo Designs mountain accessory bag.

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  3. Explore Big Tree Park in Glendora LA County
    Southern CA

    Glen-Going

    Glendale, Glendora, Glen Powell ... good things come in Glens! From beautiful big fig trees to quiet parks and a peak hike, here are three ways to gain unique perspectives this summer. (Sorry, Glen Powell not actually included.)

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  4. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  5. Northern CA

    Bay-Yeah!

    At 400 miles long (and growing!) the Bay Area Ridge Trail will ultimately connect all 9 counties on one continuous trail. Here are three ways to hike sections of this expansive gem, from a new segment, to an urban classic, and a Peninsula refresher.. Bay-yeah!

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  6. Northern CA & Southern CA

    Road Trip Ready

    Now is a good time to start planning a road trip with cabin or camping treasures and a variety of outdoor experiences in California and the West. Here are six ideas to get you inspired and planning.

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  7. Northern CA

    Hiking, Camping, and a Redwoods Train Ride

    Time for some field trip fun for everyone. We’ve got three adventures from redwood hikes and train rides to cool state park connections (with a camping bonus), plus one national urban treasure that gets to the heart of nature.

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  8. A woman stands amid an array of yellow and purple flowers at Descanso Gardens in Los Angeles
    Southern CA

    Summer Mix

    Spring into summer with this mix of gardens, lagoons, parks, canals, and bakeries! From urban walks to serene paddles, here are five ways to have a variety of outdoor experiences.

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  9. Southern CA

    The 3-Mile Club

    They say good things come in threes, so here’s a trio of hikes that are 3 miles in length and endless in everything from coastal and iconic urban vistas to mountain and garden scenery.

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  10. Northern CA

    Long Weekend Adventures and Relaxation

    As the unofficial start of summer approaches, here's a round-up of some of your favorite stories over the past weeks, reminders of where to go to spend time outside, get fresh perspectives, and combine adventure and relaxation.

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  11. Reno Tahoe

    The Greatest Outdoors of Reno Tahoe

    It's the Reno Tahoe you might not know: fly fishing adventures and nature walks along the Truckee River, mountain biking in a hidden gem canyon, a sunset hike to a sprawling vista, and a sacred and serene lake with hidden beaches. Add in a fun and creative art and cuisine scene, and, well, it's time to rise and Reno Tahoe!

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  12. Northern CA

    Water-ful Hikes and Picnics

    Water we talking about this week? How about some great East Bay hikes featuring plentiful picnic spots, beautiful oases, and big views. From a swimmable lagoon beach, to a bird’s–eye vantage of a big reservoir, and a spring gem with a lovely pond, here are three great ways to spend a day hiking, picnicking, and enjoying some H2-ohhhs.

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  13. Southern CA

    Call of the SoCal Wild

    Sometimes you just feel like going wild, but not too wild … just maybe enough to get a good fill of nature’s treasures like waterfalls, caves, rock scrambles, wildflowers, and wowing views. These three short hikes in Ventura County, the San Bernardino National Forest, and Riverside County pack in plenty of wild, wonderful scenery on short trails within sweeping landscape.

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  14. Paso Robles

    Road Trip to Real California

    Smack between San Francisco and Los Angeles is a part of California that flies a bit under the radar—for now. It’s where an immersive and magical light show comes to life when the sun sets over the rolling hills. It's where a guided horseback ride through wildflowers meets unpretentious wine tasting. It's where after an afternoon e-biking adventure you can kick back in a walkable downtown that's a true foodie haven. It’s authentically California. It’s Paso Robles.

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  15. Sponsored
    2026-02-02

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  16. Man walking up trail at Calero County Park in the South Bay, surrounded by green hills and a lake in the background
    Northern CA

    The Long Good Hike

    More daylight means more time to hike. These three long hikes are good in spring, and add seasonal bling like wildflowers, brimming reservoirs, and big-fresh vistas.

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  17. Woman sitting on bench at Peters Canyon overlooking canyon scenery in Orange County
    Southern CA

    O-Regional Hikes

    We love our national and state parks, but SoCal's also got plenty of scenic space in its regional parks. Whether you're looking for some peaceful trails or more adventurous terrain, but all with great views, here are three regional park gems worth exploring.

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  18. Northern CA

    Mellow in the Marsh

    When you just need to mellow out, you can find your peace, quiet, and sense of wonder while strolling some of our most tranquil marshlands. These three places are where birds of many feathers hang together and bonus Bay Area scenery adds iconic flair.

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  19. A woman on a hiking trail fringed in yellow wildflowers with San Diego County's Hemet Lake in the background and a mountain.
    Southern CA

    Wildflowers by the Waterside

    If timing is everything, then Easter arrives around the same time that SoCal blooms with a bevy of beautiful colors, courtesy of wildflowers that pop up this time of year. Here are three places where you can combine waterside adventures with some fresh blooms. 

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  20. Woman standing at the top of Brush Peak in the East Bay Regional Park, looking out towards the mountain scenery
    Northern CA

    Technicolor Hikes and Bike Rides

    We’re just gonna hop to it: spring for hikes and bike rides that currently have more colors than an Easter basket, thanks to the season’s riches: fresh hills and blossoming wildflowers.

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  21. Southern CA

    Hike to These Heights

    Take things higher this spring. Here are three SoCal hikes where you’ll have the challenge of a climb, and the reward of inspiring "reached the top" scenery.

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  22. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Spring Break National Park Hikes

    It’s not an easy time for national parks right now, so when you visit you’re going to have to pack some understanding and patience. But the marvels you’ll experience on these three hiking adventures are likely to leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the glory of the great outdoors.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  2. Hidden Botanical Garden

    Forget a dozen roses. Give your love a botanical garden. Hidden on the western slope of Sonoma Valley’s Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma Botanical Garden has one of the Bay Area’s best displays of Asian flora—and it’s a brilliant place for a quiet picnic and some calming contemplations.

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  3. Sunnyvale and Salty

    For up-close bird watching, it’s hard to beat a walk along the San Francisco Bay. This 5-mile loop on the Sunnyvale coast is a favorite of local wildlife photographers.

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  4. A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas

    Dragon Quest

    The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

    View
  2. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

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  3. It's a Waterfall Life

    Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.

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  4. Oh Snow Nice

    Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.

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