Greatest Hits of the Sierra

When it comes to summer hiking, the Sierra never misses a beat. From a historic fire lookout and alpine lakes to granite domes and classic summits, these four adventures deliver Hall of Fame views.

Week: 07.22.2026
Regions: Northern & Southern CA

Duck Yeah!

Hike Duck Pass for a High Sierra Adventure in Mammoth Lakes

Greater California
Overnight Escapes
Duck Pass is everything you want in a High Sierra day hike. The 11-mile round trip from Mammoth Lakes Basin passes a string of sparkling alpine lakes before climbing to nearly 11,000-foot Duck Pass, where panoramic views of jagged peaks and sapphire waters reward the effort.
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Lookout for This View!

Hike to the Sierra Buttes Lookout in the Lakes Basin, Sierra Nevada

Greater California
Hikes, Dog Friendly, Overnight Escapes
Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin
Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin
Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!
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There's Always To Moro!

Pair Sunset Rock and Moro Rock for Rock-Solid Views in Sequoia National Park

Greater California
Hikes
Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.
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Bag Tahoe's Tallest

Hike to the peak of Mount Tallac in Tahoe

Greater California
Dog Friendly, Hikes
You can’t call yourself a Tahoe hiker until you’ve climbed 9,735-foot Mount Tallac, the imposing peak that towers over Lake Tahoe’s southwest shore. This butt-kicking, 9.4-mile hike (round-trip) boasts 3,400 feet of elevation gain (pack plenty of food and water). The Mount Tallac
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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

Your Inbox to the Outdoors

Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.

Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin

    Barnabe Bonanza

    Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.

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  2. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts head to a nearby spot, Trojan Point, for a little more personal space in their panoramic viewings.

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  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Woman hiking the San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail to San Onofre State Beach in San Diego County

    Bluffing Good!

    Lovely coastline, beautiful beaches, unique geological history, and picturesque sandstone cliffs with limited foot traffic in San Diego County? Head to San Onofre State Beach and the 5-mile San Onofre Bluffs Loop Trail.

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  2. Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!

    City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.

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  3. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

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