Spring Refresh

On the bright side of lingering rains, spring colors should be more vibrant than an Easter basket when the skies clear. Here are a few ideas worth hopping to when things spring up!

Week: 03.26.2024
Regions: Northern CA

Valentine Vista Loop

Hike Valentine Vista Loop in Moore Creek Park Napa

Woman standing on the trail of Valentine Vista Loop at Moore Creek Park in Napa with poppies blooming on the grass
Woman standing in a field of wildflowers at Valentine Vista Loop Trail in Moore Creek Park Napa
Hike the 4.3-mile Valentine Vista Trail at Moore Creek Park. It's spectacular for views and poppies blooming in spring.
Read the full story

Marin Wildflower Guide!

Marin Agricultural Land Trust Guide to Wildflowers

Thanks to winter’s wet weather, wildflowers are going to be showstoppers this spring! Get the best in blooms with a complimentary Marin Wildflower Guide.
Marin Wildflower Guide

Swing into Spring

Hike this Half Moon Bay Gem with a Hidden Swing

Swing into this 7.1-mile hike in the hills of Half Moon Bay! It’s got gorgeous views, fields of spring wildflowers, and a hidden rustic tree swing.
Read the full story

Flashy Fernandez

Hike or Bike at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay

Biker on a trail at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay
Biker riding by trailside poppies at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez East Bay
Mountain biker on the trail overlooking San Pablo Bay in the East Bay Fernandez Ranch
Green rolling hills studded in oak trees, wildflowers like poppies, lupine, and the Mount Diablo sunflower—exclusive to Contra Costa County: the landscape at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez is a highlight reel of wildlife, wildflowers, and wowing panoramas. Try this 6-mile hike or bike ride.
Read the full story

Taking the Stage: Tyler Ranch

Hike New Trails at Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park

Hike the recently opened Tyler Ranch Staging Area in Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, with 18 miles of new trails. This 6.5-mile loop up Sunol Peak is a challenge and rewards with exceptional views of seasonal iridescent hills.
Read the full story

Calcite Mine Loop

Hike Calcite Mine Loop at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

In the remote eastern section of the massive Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the 4.3-mile (round-trip, out-and-back) Calcite Mine route checks all the boxes for an Anza-Borrego highlight hike; and in the spring, adds a bonus blanket of wildflower blooms.
Read the full story

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Screaming Good Garden

    Combine a classic scary movie backdrop and life-size elephant garden sculptures in beautiful downtown Sonoma.

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Hike at Olompali State Historic Park in Marin

    Historically Serene

    Olompali State Historic Park is a small park that packs big California history. Go on a mostly easy 3-mile loop hike where oak trees, big-leaf maples, and madrones are stunning in autumn.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Redding Lights and Silent Nights

    Give your holiday events calendar a major glow up this winter in California’s sunniest city. Redding is a revelation: Surrounded by iconic scenery like Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and Whiskeytown National Recreation area.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View