Peaks and Valleys

A panoramic peak, a scenic gorge, a camping hideaway … and hardly anyone else on the trails! This fall set your sights on hidden adventures in Cleveland National Forest.

Week: 10.13.2016
Regions: Southern CA

Bag Los Pinos

Hiking to Los Pinos Peak in Cleveland National Forest Southern California

Bag Los Pinos! This 4,500-foot peak in southeastern Orange County’s Cleveland National Forest can be pleasantly private. Reaching it on a 5-mile (round-trip) hike is a grind, with grand rewards.
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Autumn-tastic Adventures

Autumn Adventures and Waterfalls in Redding

Waterfalls year round, hiking and biking trails filled with fall colors, famously sunny days—are you Redding for autumn? You should be! Redding is the trails capital of California, as in 225+ miles of trails located within 15 miles. Surrounded by Mount Lassen and Mount Shasta, an
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Fisherman's Friend!

Hiking and Camping in San Mateo Canyon in Cleveland National Forest Southern California

Finding a secret hike and hidden campsite in one outing? Get outta here! No seriously, get outta here. Head to the southern part of Orange County’s Cleveland National Forest, where you’ll find San Mateo Canyon, remote home to a vast gorge and an absolutely gorge-ous hiking trail.
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A Little Birdie Told You

Hiking El Cariso Nature Trail in Orange County section of the Cleveland National Forest in Southern California

Bordering Orange and Riverside counties, the El Cariso Nature Trail  in Cleveland National Forest is like the Twitter of hikes: It packs a lot within its limits. The trail gains 150 feet in elevation within a condensed 1.6-mile loop. For better and worse, the trailhead is right o
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. Sponsored

    The 2025 Hiking Calendar Is Here!

    Ready to make hiking part of your New Year’s wellness plan? Get the all-new 2025 Hiking Calendar courtesy of Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST).

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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  4. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. Weekend Sherpa Podcast
    Sponsored

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

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  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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