Hairy Not Scary

Spiders don't have to send a tingle down your spine. Tarantulas—generally harmless—come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. Here are three beautiful hikes where you might get lucky and see them this fall.

Week: 10.29.2025
Regions: Northern CA

Tarantulas at Twilight

Hike or Bike at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve in the South Bay

Woman sitting on a bench overlooking scenery at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Man hiking a trail at Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve
Embrace the best of the season with big sunset views, up-close tarantula sightings, and a 5-mile (round-trip) hike in Sierra Vista Open Space.
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Redding Lights and Silent Nights

Holiday Getaway to Redding

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.
Choose Redding for Your Holiday Getaway

Tombstones and Tarantulas

Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in the East Bay

Forget black cats; a randy tarantula crossing your path can really get your heart racing. So can spirits in a cemetery! Visit Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve and learn about these misunderstood spiders, plus pay a visit to the Rose Hill Cemetery, where ghosts are said to exist.  
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Devilishly Hairy

Hike the northern slopes of Mount Diablo to see tarantulas in fall

Mount Diablo is a devilish name but it’s home to some hairy spiders that don’t need to send a chill down your spine. Tarantulas come out and about in fall, as the males leave their burrows in search of mates. One of the best places to see them is on the northern slopes of Mount Diablo.
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