Getting Loopy!

Ever feel like you're going in circles? Maybe it's just the change of season. Go with the flow on any of these five less traveled—and geographically unique—loop hikes. Here's to feeling loopy!

Week: 09.21.2022
Regions: Southern CA

The Holey Spirit

Hike Hole in the Wall Rings Loop in the Mojave Desert

hiker going up a ring cable in Hole in the Wall Rings Loop Trail in the Mojave Desert
Hiker heading up to hike through a canyon in Hole in the Wall Rings Loop in Mojave Desert
Hiker going up between canyon walls at hole in the wall canyon Mojave desert
Hiker coming out of a canyon at Hole in the Wall Rings Loop Trail Mojave Desert
Hole-in-the-Wall Rings Loop Trail serves up the best parts of the Mojave Desert, all in a 1.3-mile loop: vista views, rare geological features, and even a climb through a slot canyon.
Read the full story

Just in Time for Tahoe!

Fall Adventure Getaway to North Lake Tahoe

woman riding a bike in North Lake Tahoe
woman on laptop North Lake Tahoe
man hiking North Lake Tahoe
couple hiking North Lake Tahoe
Shorter days, cooler nights, and plenty of room to roam: Fall is amazing in North Lake Tahoe! You’re just in time to enjoy North Lake Tahoe’s autumn splendor among trails less crowded.
Autumn's Best in North Lake Tahoe

That's Just Wildwood!

Hike Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail Near Camarillo

Two Hikers at Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Camarillo there are big mountain views
Hikers at the Camarillo Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Ventura County
Hikers taking in the big mountain panoramic views at Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail in Ventura County
The farm-to-table agricultural landscape around Camarillo delights with vineyards, lush canyons, and craggy mountains. For a hike combining a trifecta of these views, head to Wildwood Canyon Overlook Trail.
Read the full story

Simi's Secret Loop

Hike the hidden Woodridge Loop Trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley

Hiker on a wide open dirt trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker on the Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker on rolling hillside hiking trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
Hiker taking a break sitting on a bench overlooking rolling green hills and a winding hiking trail at Long Canyon in Simi Valley
The secluded 2.8-mile Woodridge Loop at Long Canyon in Simi Valley rewards with rolling hills, grassy meadows, unique rock formations, and some of the most magical valley views in Ventura County.
Read the full story

Volcan High Five!

Hike the Volcan Mountain Five Oaks Loop near Julian in San Diego County

Person peering through telescope at peak of Volcan Mountain in San Diego County near Julian
Hikers on a trail at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian in San Diego County
Hiker looking at the ruins of the Old Volcan Mountain Observatory Outpost near Julian San Diego County
Hikers on the trail at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve in San Diego County
The moderate 5.5-mile round-trip Volcan Mountain/Five Oaks loop hike in the Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve near Julian transports you from lush farmland to a summit with panoramic views. And the hard cider post-hike bonus...
Read the full story

Hidden Horsethief + Highpoint Brewing

Hike at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas

Hiker along a wide trail overlooking the San Gabriels at Horsethief Canyon in San Dimas
Hiker walking under a tree canopy at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas
HIker walking a wide trail at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas
Person sitting at a bench at a highpoint overlooking the San Gabriels at Horsethief Canyon Park in San Dimas
Hike a 2.5-mile loop at hidden Horesethief Canyon Park in San Dimas, then head for some beers at nearby Highpoint Brewing.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Sequoia Re-opens Crystal Cave

    Step inside Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park's hidden world by visiting the newly re-opened Crystal Cave—the only cave in the parks open to the public. Closed for four years, this rare marble karst cavern is welcoming visitors once again, but only through the summer season!

    View

  2. Afternoon on the Island

    What is it about tiny islands in the middle of lakes? There’s something that just draws you in. It’s even more fun when getting there is half the adventure because you have to reach it by canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or a ranger-guided boat tour!

    View

  3. Easiest Best Hike in the World

    Choose the easiest and most view-rewarding hike in Yosemite. Okay, we’ll go first: the combination of hiking to Sentinel Dome and Taft Point. Both of these lookouts are within a couple miles of each other on Glacier Point Road

    View
  4. Hiker in the forest at Mount Sutro in San Francisco

    San Francisco's Middle Earth

    No need to travel to New Zealand to visit Middle Earth. San Francisco’s Mount Sutro Open Space is practically Hobbiton—a hidden “shire” in the middle of the city. Okay, maybe not quite as magical, but still an incredible place to take a hike in city limits.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Locals' Feature: Jim Litchfield, Owner of Reno Fly Shop

    If there's a river, you're likely to find Jim Litchfield there. As the owner of Reno Fly Shop, Nevada's premier fly fishing outfitter and shop, Jim's passion for rivers knows no bounds: he's fished in places near and far, including Alaska, Bolivia and Christmas Island. But home is beautiful Reno, where he has been running Reno Fly Shop and leading tailored river float and fly fishing adventures (including beginner-friendly options) for over a decade.

    View

  2. Can't Top This

    San Francisco’s Presidio was already a fantastic place to hang out for the afternoon, a beautiful site within the largest urban national park in the United States (the Golden Gate National Recreation Area). And Presidio Tunnel Tops is like a cherry on top. Make that two cherries on top, with the newly opened (July 2025) Outpost Meadow, a 1.5-acre green space located at Old Mason Street across from the Crissy Field Marsh in the Presidio.

    View

  3. Volcanic Activity

    Northern California is home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the country: Lassen Volcanic National Park. The region features geothermal areas, including the largest dome volcano in the world, Lassen Peak. Hike to the top of this active volcano on a 5-mile out-and-back.  

    View

  4. Oh Ryan

    Sure, it’s those whimsical trees that give Joshua Tree National Park its marquee billing; but this beautiful landscape also has surrounding mountains and its night sky—one of the darkest in Southern California and designated an International Dark Sky Park. Joshua Tree has four allowable stargazing parking lots, and a newly opened haven for spending the night nearby...

    View