Woman on an urban walk in LA in the hills of Mount Washington

Happy Outdoors

Wishing you a safe and healthy holiday. "Weathering the storm" has taken on multiple meanings this season—and something we can still be grateful for is the great outdoors. Here are a few ways to take it outside.

Week: 12.22.2021
Regions: Southern CA

Fountain to the Falls

Hike the Fountain to Falls Trail in Monrovia

Fountain to Falls trail Monrovia
There are three ways to reach the lovely Monrovia Canyon Falls, but only one of them is worthy of being named a good challenge!
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Expansive Southern Oregon

Adventure to Southern Oregon, Crater Lake, and Beyond

winter sunset at Crater Lake national park
Toketee Falls
Crater Lake national park in winter
Crater Lake swimming
It’s where you’ll find Oregon’s only national park, Crater Lake, a volcanic wonder that’s the deepest lake in the country. Southern Oregon is a land of remote open spaces, Dark Skies, waterfalls, and healing hot springs. Hit the road for a bounty of outdoors and book some guided tours.
Adventure Plan: Southern Oregon

Noah's Art

Visit Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Musueum near Joshua Tree

Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in Joshua Tree
Welcome sign at Noah Purifoy Outdoor Museum in Joshua Tree
Brochure used to do self guide tour of the Noah Purifoy Desert Museum near Joshua Tree National Park
Person standing under giant arcing art sculpture at Noah Purifoy Desert Museum near Joshua Tree
Noah Purifoy Desert Museum of Assemblage Sculpture is an outdoor museum near Joshua Tree National Park, with a mosaic of items transformed into works of art. Go on a self-guided tour to view over 30 assemblage sculptures.
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Holiday at the Rancho

Hike at Leo Carrillo Rancho Historic Park in Carlsbad

Woman on a wide open trail at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking a trail at Leo Carillo Ranch Historic Park
Woman hiking among Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
Visit the beautifully restored 27-acre Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a cultural gem in Carlsbad that can be explored as part of a serene 2-mile loop and has an upcoming holiday tree-lighting and festivities event.
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Hidden Trio

Do an urban walk with hidden canyons in Los Angeles County

Elyria Canyon Park
A trio of hidden canyons is often found in more remote places, but they're also on this urban walk in the serene hills of eastside’s Mount Washington. Head here for a beautiful 7-mile (round-trip) neighborhood tour of historic homes, ample greenspace, and, yes, three hidden canyons.
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Surreal Sandscape

Hike to the Biggest Dunes at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area

Hiker at Taylor Dunes in Oregon Dunes Recreation Area
It’s a stunning landscape that inspired the sci-fi classic Dune (and hence its recent blockbuster adaptation), but no special effects are needed to enhance the scenery of Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. This 42 miles of sand, forest, rivers, and lakes is both ethereal and surreal.
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Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

Weekend Sherpa Podcast
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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Trending Stories NorCal

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  1. Two people walking along the bluff trail at Sea Ranch on the Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean

    Sweet as the Sea

    Rough-and-tumble coastline, twisting Highway 1, open grasslands, hidden beaches, bluff trails, and a rustic lodge for storm watching from indoors—we’re not talking about Big Sur. We’re talking Sea Ranch and its namesake lodge on the Sonoma Coast. Walk its famous bluff-top trail, a cliff-hugging sensation with soaring Pacific scenery.

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  2. 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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  3. Most Peaceful Hike of All

    Is this the most peaceful one-hour hike in the Bay Area? It's got our vote! Lake Lagunitas is the smallest lake in a series of five found on the north side of Mount Tam, so it’s got that tiny but mighty charm. Do a 1.5-mile loop around the lake's shore-hugging trail.

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  4. 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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Trending Stories SoCal

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  1. Animal Encounters

    Located where Redding’s famous Sundial Bridge overlooks the Sacramento River, Turtle Bay Exploration Park is 300 acres of gardens, a museum and playground, aquarium, and unforgettable up-close animal encounters!

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  2. 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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  3. Enchanted in Chantry

    Chantry Flat is one of the most popular hiking areas in LA, but the 5.3-mile (round-trip) Hoegees Campground via Upper and Lower Winter Creek Loop Trail proves you can find peace and quiet anywhere, even in busy Los Angeles.

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  4. Locals' Feature: Max Smith of Moment Skis

    Meet Max Smith, VP of Moment Skis in Reno, Nevada. Moment is the largest ski manufacturer in the US and you can see how their innovative and artistic skis are made by visiting Moment Skis headquarters in Reno. The Factory is where the magic happens, so drop in for a visit and say hi to the team, including employee dogs who are on quality control.

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