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
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.
Read the full story2022 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 CalendarThree Beaches to the Wind
Hike to three beaches on this 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.
Read the full storyHigh Sierra Lake Hop
Backpacking Lake Adventure in Emigrant Wilderness North of Yosemite
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.
Read the full storyGood as Golden
Hike a Classic Loop in Golden Canyon at 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.
Read the full storyTake the Plunge
Hike to Waterfalls Along the Southern Oregon Highway of Waterfalls
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.
Read the full storyUp Umunhum
Hike to the Summit of Mount Umunhum in the South Bay
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.
Read the full storyKirby Your Enthusiasm
Bike or hike down to hidden Kirby Cove just west of the Golden Gate Bridge in Marin
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.
Read the full storyWaterfall Chaser
Hike to Hunter Creek Falls in Reno and Stay at Kramer's Midtown
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.
Read the full storySweet and Salty
Camp on the Sonoma Coast at Salt Point State Park
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.
Read the full storyBarnabe Bonanza
Hike to the Panoramic Summit of Barnabe Peak in Samuel P Taylor State Park
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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