Wave the Adventure Flag!

Parades, barbecues, fireworks, and time off! This 4th of July weekend, wave the flag of patriotism and celebrate by getting outdoors to explore our great golden state. From first-come, first-served camping, to hikes and paddles to keep your cool, here are some top ways to ensure that the fourth is with you!

Week: 06.29.2017
Regions: Southern CA

Hiking Goat Whiskers Trail

Hiking Goat Whiskers Trail on Catalina Island

You won't sight a single goat on the 7-mile Goat Whiskers Trail loop west of Two Harbors on Catalina. You will see abundant native flora and fauna, though, on this coast-to-mountain hike. And that’s precisely because the goats are gone. Thousands once roamed the island, descendan
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Pretty View Campground

Chula Vista Campground in Los Padres National Forest

Chula vista means “pretty view,” and whoever named Chula Vista Campground in the Los Padres National Forest was right on the mark. The views extend all around and even upward to the heavens. Situated at 8,300 feet near the summit of Mount Pinos, Chula Vista is the best stargazing
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Lace Up for Lacy

Lacy Park Staircase Hike in San Marino

Lacy Park in San Marino is a hidden gem that may very well be the most pristine green space in greater Los Angeles, and a concealed pair of nearby stairways makes it all the more appealing.
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Nevada's Hidden Waterholes

Discovering Nevada's Hidden Water Holes

One of the most famous festivals in the world happens in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert every September (Burning Man), but what you may not know is that in spring the “playa” is a completely different world, especially this year! Aside from no crowds, epic winter rains have led to a
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Hugging the Coast in San Clemente

Hiking the San Clemente Beach Trail

San Clemente is always a treat, but never more so than on this 4.6-mile (round-trip) stroll on the town’s lovely Beach Trail, with a stairway to beautiful coastal views.
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Take the Plunge!

Hiking to Cedar Creek Falls in San Diego County

Who knew that sleepy Ramona is home to an 80-foot waterfall complete with a deep, frigid pool in the midst of a lush oasis? Reach Cedar Creek Falls in Cleveland National Forest by way of a beautiful 6-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike that is brilliant with wildflower color rig
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LA Whitewater!

Kayaking the Los Angeles River

As soon as you experience the thrilling whoosh of navigating Class II rapids in a whitewater kayak on the Los Angeles River, you know it for sure—LA truly has it all! Just minutes from downtown and in the shadow of Dodger Stadium, you can relish a stretch of natural river known a
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Let the Adventures Begin!

2017 Adventure Challenge

The Weekend Sherpa Adventure Challenge is back for its sixth year! Don’t let the name intimidate you: it’s free and easy to participate. Just get outdoors over the next few months and take a photo of yourself in action! And we’re excited to be teaming up with Line 39—their wines
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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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