New Observations

Just when you think you’ve seen it all, Southern California comes up with something new, like some amazing points of view! From urban hikes in Los Angeles and San Diego to a blissful back-bay hike or bike, here are three thoroughly modern observation decks to give you a fresh (and fun!) perspective.

Week: 09.29.2016
Regions: Southern CA

Slide on Down

Urban hike in LA to new observation deck and glass slide at US Bank Tower

Glass-bottom observation decks were supposed to be all the rage ... that is until California’s tallest building—the US Bank Tower—upped the ante by cashing in on an open-air observation deck featuring a forty-five-foot-long glass slide. That’s right … a glass slide for you to rid
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High Five!

2016 Adventure Challenge Wrap Up

Big thanks to the many adventurers who successfully completed the 5th annual Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge! Hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, sunsets, beaches, waterfalls, hot springs, overnight escapes: you guys did it all! Also, big props to Marmot for sponsoring the Chal
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Culture Club

Urban hike in San Diego through Gastown and Little Italy and Balboa Park

San Diego is one of the world’s most beautiful cities, and you get to travel through 100 years of its history on a modern- day 5.5-mile urban loop hike that’s filled with food, art, culture, and epic natural beauty!
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Big on a Bay View

Hike or bike the back bay in Newport Beach at Upper Newport Bay Preserve

Newport Beach is well known for having the biggest of things: homes, boats, egos (oh come on, you know we love you, Newport Beach!) … and the largest estuary in the area, which happens to be one of the top spots for hiking, biking, and bird-watching (no, you’re not too cool for t
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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    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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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. 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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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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