Roam the Ruins

From shipwrecks to a fallen mansion and an old jail cell at a mission, the area stretching between Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Coast is riddled with intriguing ruins. Here are three to see!

Week: 03.17.2016
Regions: Southern CA

Knapp Time

Santa Barbara Hike at Knapps Castle

For a little taste of Pompeii in Southern California, head for Knapp’s Castle in the Los Padres National Forest above Santa Barbara. It’s a delightful oddity with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Santa Ynez Mountains and Valley. The former mountain retreat burned down
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The Most Magical Redwoods of Them All

Spring Getaway Redwoods in Humboldt County

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What’s giant and ancient and red all over? Why, only the most magical redwoods you’ll ever see! Just a few hours from San Francisco, Humboldt Redwoods State Park is home to the largest remaining stand of virgin redwoods in the world. Here’s the plan: Start with the ultimate redwo
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Jetty for La Jenelle

Silver Strand Beach hike to La Jenelle Jetty

The La Jenelle was a 467-foot luxury cruise liner before retiring to Port Hueneme Harbor with plans to become a floating restaurant. Then a severe storm ripped her from her moorings, where she capsized and was battered beyond repair by the waves. This sad story has an interesting
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Mission Possible

The Old Mission in Santa Barbara County

The Old Mission is a popular visitor spot in Santa Barbara, but many visitors are unaware of what lies beyond this stately historic landmark, on the east side. The 10-acre Mission Historical Park  features a maze of sycamore- and oak-shaded walking and biking trails. But it’s the
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    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

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  2. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

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  3. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

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  4. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

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    Hot Springs, Naturally

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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