Cozy Sunlight Hikes

Go get your sun glow. Winter's combination of sunlight sifting through clouds or beaming in a crisp and cleansed sky makes for some inspiring scenery. Here are three places to go for a hike and to bask in the comfort of cinematic winter sunlight.

Week: 01.20.2026
Regions: Southern CA

Chino Chimes

Hike Eucalyptus South Loop in Chino Hills

The 2.5-mile Eucalyptus South Loop in Chino Hills proves you don’t have to go far to find beautiful places to see the beauty of a late day sun.
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Baldwinner!

Hike a 2-mile loop at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles

A woman is walking along the trail overlooking Los Angeles at the sunset hour at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Los Angeles
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in west Los Angeles is famous for its expansive views of Tinsel Town, but this urban park and landmark also offers a solid workout in its stairway and trail system.
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Cherry on Top

Hike to the Ultimate Destination in Cherry Creek Canyon Park LA County

Hike Cherry Canyon Park
Hiker at Cherry Creek Canyon Park in Los Angeles
Hiker on the trail at Cherry Creek Canyon Park in LA.
How do you reach the Ultimate Destination in LA County? Cherry Canyon Park has a 2.5-mile out-and-back hike with a vista point called, well, the Ultimate Destination.
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  1. Purely Purisima

    Take a relaxing hike on the lower section of Purisiima Creek Trail in Purisima Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.

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  2. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

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  3. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

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  4. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

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  1. Been There, Dome That

    Surrounded by granite domes, craggy peaks, and miles of hiking trails, the High Sierra landscape of Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park is famous for good reason. For a truly grand view, take a short hike to bold—and bald (except for snow at times)—Lembert Dome.

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  2. Lookout Ahead!

    A 3.7-mile loop hike to Boucher Hill Fire Lookout in Palomar Mountain State Park reminds us just how stunningly beautiful are the mountains of this remote, lightly visited portion of northern San Diego County.

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  3. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

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  4. Strawberry Peak Lookout Hike

    Strawberry Sunday

    The 2.5-mile (round-trip) lollipop loop climb to the Strawberry Peak Fire Lookout near the town of Lake Arrowhead dishes up some delicious views.

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