Irish Spring

You're gonna have to wait a bit for trails to dry, but there'll be plenty of green on the scene at these East Bay parks that are part of the John Muir Land Trust. When the skies clear, spring for some hikes, bike rides, and guided walks.

Week: 03.15.2023
Regions: Northern CA

Flashy Fernandez

Hike or Bike at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay

Biker on a trail at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay
Biker riding by trailside poppies at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay
Mountain biker on the trail overlooking San Pablo Bay in the East Bay Fernandez Ranch
Green rolling hills studded in oak trees, wildflowers like poppies, lupine, and the Mount Diablo sunflower—exclusive to Contra Costa County: the landscape at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez is a highlight reel of wildlife, wildflowers, and wowing panoramas. Try this 6-mile hike or bike ride.
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Wanda-ful Hike

Hike Mount Wanda in the East Bay

Hike Mount Wanda Nature Preserve in Martinez
When John Muir wasn’t trekking the Sierra, he could usually be found hiking near his home in Martinez, at Mount Wanda, named for his daughter.
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Sonoma for Film, Food, Wine, Fun!

Enjoy Food, Wine, and Film at The Sonoma International Film Festival

Exquisite food events, extraordinary wine tastings, exceptional films, and super fun parties: Spring into Sonoma March 22 - 26 for the West’s best film, food, and wine extravaganza.
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Carr Ranch

Go on a long hike at Carr Ranch Trail in Contra Consta County

Hiker on a trail with beautiful green hills and wildflowers on the grasses at Carr Ranch in Contra Costa County
View of a water reservoir that cattle are surrounding at Carr Ranch in Contra Costa County
Can’t decide between an epic hike or a relaxing nature walk? The 8.3-mile Carr Ranch Trail loop in the East Bay’s Contra Costa County is the perfect hike for rugged adventurers with a soft side.
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. 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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  2. 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. 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

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  3. Fall for These Falls

    Chase waterfalls in Redding’s Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. This 42,000 acres of wilderness park is home to four waterfalls. Hike to the tallest, the three-tiered, 220-foot Whiskeytown Falls.

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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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