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  1. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Discover New ABCs

    Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.

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  2. Northern CA

    Know Your ABCs

    Do you know your ABCs? We're not talking about the alphabet. We're talking about Adventures in British Columbia! The westernmost Canadian province is filled with rainforests, glacier-fed lakes, wildlife, massive peaks, rugged coastline, and sublime places for combining recreation and relaxation.

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  3. Southern CA

    Bill Murray Adventures

    Bill Murray seems to be everywhere these days (have you seen the T-shirts and stickers lately?). He definitely marches to the beat of his own drum, and we dig it. Here are a few adventures inspired by his movies.

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  4. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  5. Northern CA

    Oh Yeah, Open Space!

    Long before the tech industry started taking root in the South Bay, huge oaks, bays, alders, and sycamore trees dominated the landscape. Thanks to the Santa Clara Valley Open Space Authority, more than 16,000 acres of open space have been preserved for the public, with the newest preserve opening just two weeks ago. Here are three to explore!

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  6. Southern CA

    Must-do Deukmejian

    Deukmejian Wilderness Park in the San Gabriel foothills has no crowds, no entrance fee, and no shortage of stunning scenery. Explore this accessible wilderness and learn a little local lore too!

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  7. Northern CA

    Hike to New Heights

    Some of Northern California's best summits are just waiting to be hiked! Whether you point your compass north, south, or east—here are three great peaks that'll give you a fresh perspective … and killer views!

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  8. Southern CA

    Jurassic Outdoors

    Clomp, stomp, chomp, yowza! Dinosaurs have gone wild in Hollywood! You can go wild too, on these outdoor adventures selected in the spirit of Jurassic World.

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  9. Northern CA

    Summer Sleepovers

    With so many outdoor adventures in and around the Santa Cruz Mountains, staying overnight is all part of the fun. From mountaintop yurts to a hike-in hut and campsite, here are three great ways to enjoy sweet South Bay dreams.

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  10. Southern CA & Northern CA

    Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2015

    How It Works: 1. Choose any 3 adventures from Weekend Sherpa (hikes, bike rides, picnic spots, camping, etc.), and do those adventures this summer! 2. Take a photo of yourself doing each of your 3 adventures and upload them to Weekend Sherpa’s Facebook page or your Instagram and be sure to tag #weekendsherpa. You can upload one photo at a time or all three at once. 3. Email adventure@weekendsherpa.com naming the 3 adventures you’ve completed, and you’ll receive an email back with a Certificate of Completion. 4. Present your Certificate of Completion via printout or mobile device at any of the following The North Face stores: San Francisco (180 Post St.), Village at Corte Madera (1602 Redwood Hwy.), Palo Alto (217 Alma St.)—and receive your free Weekend Sherpa wicking shirt by The North Face, plus a limited-edition tote bag, and other cool stuff from our partners. GRAND PRIZE: When you finish the Adventure Challenge, you're automatically entered to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies from California, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica! Only one T-shirt and tote bag per person for the duration of the challenge while supplies last. Ends September 14.

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  11. Southern CA

    Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge 2015

    How It Works: 1. Choose any 3 adventures from Weekend Sherpa (hikes, bike rides, picnic spots, camping, etc.), and do those adventures this summer! 2. Take a photo of yourself doing each of your 3 adventures and upload them to Weekend Sherpa’s Facebook page or your Instagram and be sure to tag #weekendsherpa. You can upload one photo at a time or all three at once. 3. Email adventure@weekendsherpa.com and name the 3 adventures you complete. You'll receive an email back containing a Certificate of Completion. 4. Present your Certificate of Completion via printout or mobile device at either of the following The North Face stores: Beverly Hills (423 N. Beverly Dr.), and Costa Mesa (3333 Bear St.)—and receive your free Weekend Sherpa wicking shirt by The North Face, plus a limited-edition tote bag, and other cool stuff from our partners. GRAND PRIZE: When you finish the Adventure Challenge, you're automatically entered to win two round-trip tickets anywhere Alaska Airlines flies from California, including Hawaii, Mexico, and Costa Rica! Only one T-shirt and tote bag per person for the duration of the challenge while supplies last. Ends September 14.

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  12. Northern CA

    Trail Mix

    Marin has all the ingredients for a delicious trail mix: sweet views, salty beaches, and crumbly ground. Go nuts!

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  13. Southern CA

    Ace Ventura

    Ace your next trip to Ventura County with some off-the-beaten-path adventures on land and sea.

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  14. Northern CA

    Viva Anderson Valley!

    Just a few hours north of San Francisco, and measuring only 15 miles in length, Anderson Valley packs in everything you'd want for a glorious weekend getaway: fabulous (affordable!) wineries, hiking in the redwoods, riverside lounging, and a hilltop gem for spending the night.

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  15. Sponsored
    2024-12-18

    Sublime San Juan Islands

    Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.

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  16. Southern CA

    Upside Down Hikes

    Hiking up and up isn't the only way to get to the good stuff. Flip the order and get a different point of view. Here are three hikes where starting with a descent has an upside. Down you go!

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  17. Southern CA

    Make It Memorial

    Kick Butte Hike: Get a taste of the Mojave Desert without leaving Los Angeles County! Saddleback Butte State Park is home to a solitary mountain rising 3,651 feet. Bag this peak on a 5-mile (round-trip) journey that ascends 950 feet. Grand Entrance: The relaxing, artistic town of Ojai makes an impression, and so will you when you roll into town … on two wheels! This mellow 19-mile (round-trip) bike ride on the Ojai Valley Trail starts at Foster Park and takes you all the way into downtown Ojai. Oh Soak Good: Enjoy a little R&R (retro resort and really warm mineral water). While it might not be a typical desert oasis, the springs at Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel offer a chance to soak in natural mineral pools, with a piña colada! Hero Image: If you're looking for solitude at Runyon Canyon Park, you're in the wrong place … unless you decide to hike Route C (aka the Hero's Trail). This grueling path up the park's westernmost ridge isn't for the faint of heart—and sees fewer hikers as a result. Vouch for Volcan: An hour east of San Diego, Julian is a popular apple pie hub, yet few people venture beyond to nearby Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve at Wynola. They're missing out on a hiker's haven, including a 5-mile (round-trip) summit hike shaded by sycamores and oaks. Hoppy Ending: Hop on a two-wheeler for a laid-back 14-mile (round-trip) bike ride along the LA River that concludes with a happy—and hoppy!—ending: a craft-brewed IPA paired with fried avocado tacos …  and a gorgeous sunset.

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  18. Northern CA

    Half Moon Rising

    Pacific coastline, tantalizing trails, beaches, bluffs, and shipwrecks beneath the sea … from Pacifica to Half Moon Bay, here are some great ways to camp, hike, and beach-hop on the Peninsula.

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  19. Southern CA

    Spring for These Hikes

    Famous for its sandy beaches and sunny days, San Diego County also has a more mountainous side. From south to north, here are three hikes to get you going.

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  20. Southern CA

    Camp & Hike Combos

    You've heard of farm to table, but what about tent to trail? Set up camp and hike the San Bernardino Mountains between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake this summer.

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  21. Northern CA

    Beer Gardens for Mom

    It's that time of year … to thank Mom with beer! And don’t forget lots of flowers. Here are three botanical beauties, with nearby beer spots for relaxing afterwards. Cheers (and beers) to you, Mom!

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  22. Southern CA

    Tour de SoCal

    The Amgen Tour of California is set to roll across the Golden State this May. Preview tour-worthy cycling destinations in the Southland on three rides suitable for beginners. All ride, all ride, all ride.

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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take it Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

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  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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