All in Northern CA

Savor These Peak Hikes
When the clocks spring forward, so should you—on these classic peak hikes. Chase the longer light and savor these summit views.
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Peak Green
Rainy, dry, rainy, dry, rainy … dry?! Mother Nature’s been toggling the settings, but the skies are scrubbed, the hills are shamrock green, and everything’s sparkling. These hikes and bike rides have that fresh-from-the-rain glow. Clarity mode, activated!
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All Aboard the Mendocino Coast
Where dramatic—and secret—headlands meet a rollicking sea and a historic train winds through fragrant forest, Mendocino invites you to slow down, stay awhile. Ride the rails to a redwood grove with a beverage bar and bonus hike, wander wild bluffs and windswept beaches, then toast the day in a postcard-perfect village with a thriving culinary scene. This is Mendo-time.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
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Last-Minute Romance!
Roses are red, violets are blue, caught without a Valentine’s plan…we’ve got you! These three outings offer thrilling scenery, lovely greenery, early wildflowers, and bonus ideas for eats and drinks. Sweet!
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Big Love on the Coast
This is the time of year when big things happen on our beautiful California coast. By big we mean elephant seals, currently in prime mating season but still willing to take a load off to just lounge around. Some are also in need of some rehab TLC. Here are three coastal excursions well worth the time for seeing why elephant seals are such a huge deal.
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Meet the Flockers
We don't wanna ruffle feathers by declaring birding the new hiking, but we do have some great hikes and bike rides where the birdwatching is flocking amazing!
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Zen Peak Hikes to Keep Your Calm
Ready to rise and find your calm? Gain some fresh perspectives on these three outings that take you higher for quietude and contemplations, including the newly re-opened Dragon Mountain. Gorgeous panoramas absolutely included.
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Parks In Their Prime
Snow, sun, seasonal temperatures … it’s all culminating in a winter of wide and wild adventure options—from sunrise desert hikes and snowy sequoias to waterfalls and dune-scapes, these four mystical wanders in national parks, preserves, and recreation areas are some of the best for the season.
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Waterfalls Now!
When it rains, it waterfalls! Here are three short hikes to tucked away oases that are absolute power-falls after recent rains. Flow for it!
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Hot Soaks to Start the New Year!
Happy New Year! Warm up to 2026 with these great places to find hot soaks at natural springs both rugged and spa-some.
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Merry Wetness
Merry Christmas! We're not sure who ordered the Pineapple Express but as we all try to go with the flow, there's a new podcast episode of "Take It Outside" and some ideas on things to do that let you be inside, too (in case of rain). Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season. See you in 2026!
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The Top 10 Outdoor Stories of the Year
Less scroll time, more soul time...that's how it goes when you get out to explore our great Golden State. Jingle all the way to the end of the year by checking out our Top 10 stories of 2025.
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Rise to the Occasion
One of the many shining features of the SF Bay Area is how many Baymazing urban vistas are accessed via short hikes within city limits. Here are three scenic hikes that rise to the occasion for ideal group outings over the holidays.
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Sponsored
2026-02-02
Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
2026 is just getting started, but there’s one place already rising to the top as the best for adventure and relaxation: Reno Tahoe. The awe—and ahhhs—begin as soon as you arrive. G
View
'Twas the Lights Before Christmas
Finding an illumination experience is a good reason to get outdoors and see the light... make that lots of light. These botanical gardens, strolls, hikes, and field exhibitions are fun and festive ways to enjoy the season. Light this way!
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Turkey Time Out(side)
Thanksgiving Thursday, Black Friday, Weekend Sherpa Saturday? We're sharing some ideas for exploring locally over the holiday. You can also check out our latest podcast episode, talking turkey and Türkiye. Learn about the relatively unknown world-class hiking adventure overlooking Türkiye's incredible Turquoise Coast and passing ancient ruins.
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Spectacular Sands
California's filled with beautiful beaches, but some less-known sands simply dazzle. From elephant seal sightings and premier whale watching perches, to a secret stairway connecting a coastal hamlet to a sublime seaside setting, and a less-known dunescape that's nothing short of sunset-sational, here are three sandy havens that are prime to see this season.
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Autumn Hikes and Bike Rides
When the weather clears, opt for an autumn power hike. These three options are peak-of-autumn beauties that range from moderate to challenging, and reward with rich vistas. Beauti-fall!
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Fall For These Short Birding Hikes
When you think the weather's for the birds, go birding. These three premier preserves and wildlife ponds are short, idyllic strolls to enjoy tranquil views, redwood groves, dashes of fall color, and birds of all kinds of feathers.
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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.
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Find Fall on These Short Hikes
While we may not have New England's fall color bonanza, the California-cool hues of amber and yellow are autumn-amazing, if you know where to look. Find fall colors close to home on these three hikes.
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