Top 10 Outdoor Adventures of 2021

Waterfalls, epic national park hikes, camping, and hidden backcountry are just a few of the adventures we loved this year! Here's our list of the year's 10 best outdoor adventures in California and the West. See you on the trails in 2022!

Week: 12.29.2021
Regions: Northern CA

Medallion Walk SF

Walk the Barbary Coast Trail Following Medallions in San Francisco

Barbary Coast Trail medallion hike in San Francisco
The Barbary Coast Trail is a 3.8-mile historical walk and treasure hunt through San Francisco. Be on the lookout for hubcap-sized bronze medallions placed on the city sidewalks with arrows pointing you in the right direction.
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2022 Hiking Calendar

2022 Peninsula Open Space Trust Calendar

Ready for a New Year’s hike? How about 12 of them! Spread out the hiking joy with the 2022 POST Hiking Calendar (complimentary).
Download the 2022 POST Hiking Calendar

Three Beaches to the Wind

Hike to three beaches on this coastal trail in the Marin Headlands

Woman hiking the Coastal Trail in the Marin Headlands
This beautiful 7-mile (round-trip) coastal hike in the Marin Headlands connects three beaches: Muir Beach, Pirates Cove, and Tennessee Cove.
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High Sierra Lake Hop

Backpacking Lake Adventure in Emigrant Wilderness North of Yosemite

Camping at Chewing Gum Lake Emigrant Wilderness
Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.
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Good as Golden

Hike a Classic Loop in Golden Canyon at Death Valley National Park

Woman hiking the Badlands Trail in Golden Canyon Death Valley National Park
Golden Canyon in Death Valley has a variety of hiking trails. We like this classic 5.5-mile loop exploring a labyrinth of marbled gold colored hills, badlands, narrow canyons, and tremendous vistas.
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Take the Plunge

Hike to Waterfalls Along the Southern Oregon Highway of Waterfalls

Two women looking up at Watson Falls, Southwest Oregon's highest waterfall
How can you take a road trip through Southern Oregon and not hit the Highway of Waterfalls? This stretch of Highway 138 east of Roseburg along the Umqua River is a watery marvel that’s terrific year-round. Winter sees fewer people, making it an ideal time to visit.
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Up Umunhum

Hike to the Summit of Mount Umunhum in the South Bay

Hiker taking in the mountain view from the summit of Mount Umunhum
Rising from the Santa Cruz Mountains, Mount Umunhum is one of the Bay Area’s highest points, reaching an impressive 3,486 feet. With the new 7.4-mile (round-trip) addition to the Bay Area Ridge Trail, locals can finally step up to its peak.
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Kirby Your Enthusiasm

Bike or hike down to hidden Kirby Cove just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin

A biker stopped to take in the scenery on the fire road leading to Kirby Cove and overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge
Just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin is one of the Bay's most-accessible secluded beaches. Kirby Cove is accessed by hiking or biking a 1-mile fire road down to the beach, where the reward is an all-time classic Golden Gate view.
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Waterfall Chaser

Hike to Hunter Creek Falls in Reno and Stay at Kramer's Midtown

hiker at Hunter Creek Falls in Reno
Reno's Hunter Creek Falls is accessible year-round but especially fantastic in spring when the desert peach wildflowers paint the landscape, and the marquee waterfall has snowmelt mojo.
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Sweet and Salty

Camp on the Sonoma Coast at Salt Point State Park

woman on rocks at Salt Point State Park Sonoma Coast
Located on Highway 1 about 18 miles north of Jenner, Salt Point State Park is wild, scenic, and one of the most beautiful places to do some classic coastal camping.
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Barnabe Bonanza

Hike to the Panoramic Summit of Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor State Park

Woman with her arms outstretched to the rolling hills scenery while on a rock outcrop at Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor Sate Park in Marin
Sure, there are higher mountains in Marin (Mount Tam) and easier ascents (Mount Burdell), but is there a more expansive North Bay view? Barnabe Peak in Samuel P. Taylor State Park offers a glorious panorama including Mount Tam, Mount Diablo, and Mount St. Helena.
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  1. 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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  2. Two hikers at Bear Creek Redwoods Regional Preserve on a new trail.

    New Trails at Bear Creek

    Looking for new trails? Bear Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve has added 170 acres of forest, grassland, and historical sites. Hike this 3.5-mile loop through the new addition.

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  3. 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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  4. Drake Awakening

    Part salt water, part fresh water, Drake’s Estero is smack in the middle of Point Reyes, and one of only two marine wilderness areas in the entire nation. Yeah, it’s worth a look. Get the extended version by hiking right alongside it.

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  1. 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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  2. Boardwalking Bliss

    The Stanfield Preserve Boardwalk Trail traverses 1.6 miles of beautiful Big Bear Lake, giving you a chance to get up close to the lake without needing a boat. You’ll also enjoy some peaceful wildlife watching.

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  3. Get Into The Grove

    The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.

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  4. Woman hiking down the stairs to Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

    Secluded Royale

    Panoramic coastal views and a killer leg workout combine on this 2.7-mile (round-trip) out-and-back hike to secluded Coast Royale Beach in Orange County

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