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. Napa Valley Paddle kayaker and paddle boarder on the Napa Valley river

    Napa's Wild Side

    It’s wine country’s Amazon. The gentle Napa River is an ecological—and recreational—delight. And Napa Valley Paddle sets you up for maximum enjoyment of this experience.

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  2. Inn-spiration Point!

    For more than a century, people have been hiking or mountain biking to West Point Inn for good reason. Perched at 1,785 feet on the southern slope of Mount Tamalpais, the historic inn has sweeping views from the Marin Headlands to the San Francisco skyline.

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  3. A Thousand Steps to Paradise

    A picture is worth a thousand words, but is a gorgeous beach in Laguna worth a thousand steps? The answer is yes, though the question is moot, because it’s only 223 steep steps down to the 400-yard stretch of sand known as 1000 Steps Beach.

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  4. Hike Mount Tamalpais into Muir Woods

    Muir Woods Through the Backdoor

    A backdoor entrance into Muir Woods? Hike a tranquil trail that starts in Mount Tamalpais State Park and quietly leads into Muir Woods, letting you avoid the busyness of the main parking area.

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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. There's Always To Moro!

    Looking for a rock-solid itinerary in Sequoia National Park? Pair the park's most famous viewpoint with one that's often overlooked.

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  2. Rancho Style

    Vicente Bluffs Reserve dazzles anytime, but during the golden hour it’s an absolute knockout. Majestic rocky bluffs, dreamy ocean views, and a picturesque lighthouse are just a few of the reasons.

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  3. 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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  4. Hike to the Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout in the Lakes Basin

    Lookout for This View!

    Sierra Buttes Lookout, at a lofty 8,591 feet, is a memory maker for its pucker-worthy stairway to the tower’s balcony. It's a 5-mile (round-trip) hike to reach it. And the reward? Epic!

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