Call of the SoCal Wild

Sometimes you just feel like going wild, but not too wild … just maybe enough to get a good fill of nature’s treasures like waterfalls, caves, rock scrambles, wildflowers, and wowing views. These three short hikes in Ventura County, the San Bernardino National Forest, and Riverside County pack in plenty of wild, wonderful scenery on short trails within sweeping landscape.

Week: 05.07.2025
Regions: Southern CA

Going Wildwood

Hike a loop at Wildwood Park and see a waterfall, cave, and big views

A woman on a hiking trail with huge open space and yellow flowers around her at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks
A waterfall lands in a grotto at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks
A woman walks down the stairs from a cave in the Wildwood Canyon part of Thousand Oaks in Ventura County
Consider this your invitation to get a little untamed. In just one walk through Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks, you can chase the sound of a cascading waterfall, duck into a shadowy cave, and soak in big hillside vistas. The mostly flat 4.25-mile loop makes wild feel wonderfully accessible.
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Marshall Mellow

Wildflower Hike at Marshall Peak in San Bernardino National Forest

Woman standing and overlooking the scenery at Marshall Peak in San Bernardino National Forest
The 3-mile (round-trip) Marshall Peak Trail might not be the most epic in the San Bernardino National Forest, but this lightly used trail is beautiful in spring when the wildflowers come out.
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Ideal in Idyllwild

Hike Idyllwild South Loop Trail in Idyllwild Park

Woman standing on hiking trail in Idyllwild, overlooking sunset and mountain scenery
The 2.2-mile Idyllwild South Loop in Idyllwild Park is short on miles but big in every other way possible. With epic panoramic vistas, serene forests, and a big climb in elevation, this trail packs a lot into its shorter length.
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Weekend in Reno Tahoe

Spring Adventure and Relaxation in Reno Tahoe

Weekend plans? Reno Tahoe! Just a few hours by car or a short flight away, Reno Tahoe springs to the moment with great ways to combine adventure and relaxation in its beautiful mountains-meets-desert setting.
Reno Tahoe's Unique Spring Fun

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  1. Sponsored

    Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe

    2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G

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  2. Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) standing in front of his wood-fire oven at the Sonoma Valley Farmers' Market

    NEW! Walkin' and Talkin': Break Bread, Go On a Panoramic Hike

    What’s a world-traveling, medal-winning baker’s favorite local hike? Weekend Sherpa co-founder Brad Day caught up with Mike Zakowski (aka Mike the Baker) at Sonoma’s Friday farmers' market, where his wood-fired loaves draw loyal crowds. Between bites of fresh-baked bread, they talk baking, travel, and why Sonoma's Overlook Trail is one of his favorite quick, panoramic hikes.

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  3. Big Burdell!

    If you’re gonna go big on a hike, make it at Marin County’s biggest open space preserve, Mount Burdell. And go to the summit. You’ll be sharing the trail with grazing cows, seasonal poppies, and beautiful birds on this 5-mile (round-trip) adventure.

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  4. H is for Hawk Hill

    After a nearly year-long closure, Hawk Hill in the legendary Marin Headlands recently emerged with a glow-up. Thank the hearty TLC from the National Park Service. This Golden Gate National Recreation Area gem now has a new trail along with revamped spaces for taking in timeless, grand views.

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  1. People on ice learning to curl at Hollywood Curling

    You Go, Curl!

    Hollywood Curling’s Learn to Curl classes make the perfect setting for newcomers. Take the ice, and friendly curling instructors will teach you the basics.

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  2. Eat, Sleep, Beach, Repeat

    For an ultra-relaxing getaway where you can sit back and soak in some nature and nurture, head to Mendocino and follow this eat, beach, sleep, repeat itinerary (you won't regret it!) ...

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  3. This Skunk Doesn’t Stink!

    All aboard for a ride through history—and through air scented with redwood, dewy ferns, forest-fresh breeze, and a bonus snack and beverage bar, fire pit, and short hike. The World-Famous Skunk Train delivers in every category: scenery, greenery, and towering redwoods.

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  4. A woman standing at the pond's edge at Ernest B Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles. Trees are making reflections on the pond.

    Urban Oasis Loop

    Home to the city’s Audubon Center, Ernest E. Debs' 282-acre park features a robust network of hiking trails and surprising wildlife diversity. More than 140 bird species have been spotted here. Birdwatcher or not, this 2.5-mile route makes for a gorgeous outing.

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