All in Northern CA
Easing Back Into the Outdoors
(Dipping pinky toe in...) We're easing into the outdoors again. Here's a list of some hikes (and bike rides) that are open as of this week. Stay safe, enjoy your parks, and let's keep outside open!
VIEWShortlist These National Parks
We love our national parks. So we created a shortlist of the top parks to visit, and the best hikes to do, once they re-open. We can't wait to get back!
VIEWNew Rules of the Trail
As parks around California begin to re-open, we came up with tips for being responsible on your outdoor adventures. Let’s do our part so we can all keep enjoying the parks!
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SponsoredSublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
ViewThe Outdoors We're Craving
We're sharing what adventures we're most craving and plan to do as soon as the time is right
VIEWHow to #OptInside
Getting a little stir crazy? Covid-19 has unfortunately shut down a lot of open space. What to do? We have a few ways to bring the great outdoors indoors. We've called it #OptInside. Check out the list of easy things to do indoors.
VIEWSocial Distance Hikes and Bike Rides
Social Distance Hikes and Bike Rides (with important ways for safety during coronavirus)
VIEWHikes to Keep Your Calm
From redwoods to rolling hills and seaside bluffs, these three hikes are great for the soul
VIEWAfternoon Delight
Go on a leisurely afternoon hike with beaches, birds, benches and beautiful views.
VIEWShort Hikes, Cool Views
Who says good views require big hikes? These three tame trails in the East Bay offer visual rewards without adding extra miles.
VIEWRussian River Rediscovered
Here's your Russian River guide to redwood hikes, bike rides to wineries, and sunsets by the sea.
VIEWLove in the Great Outdoors
Some of the best dates happen in the outdoors. Whale watching, wine tasting, walking among murals or down to a restored lighthouse … whatever your outdoor loves may be, here are some options!
VIEWWinter Hikes in Napa
Before hitting the big Cabs, hit the big views! The cooler months are a fantastic time to do any of these three vista hikes that lead to huge panoramas.
VIEWWinter Wildlife Wonders
Elephant seals, birds of all feathers, combine a wildlife hike and a beer for a wild weekend!
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SponsoredSublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
ViewDesert Dream Trip
Joshua Tree National Park is stunning in winter. Our top recommendations on exploring this dreamy desertscape in two days.
VIEWWhere to Whale Watch: 3 Top Spots
Whale hello there! Here are three of the top spots for combining hikes and wine tasting with amazing vantages for spying gray whales.
VIEWEasy Does It
Ease into 2020 by trying something new, from a new wine country hike to a new trail in the South Bay.
VIEWNew Year Peak Hikes
Kick off the decade with a classic peak hike in the Bay Area. Cheers to these views!
VIEWTop 10 2019 Adventures (Readers Favorites)
The 2019 outdoor adventures Weekend Sherpa readers most liked in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
VIEWJust in Time for the Holidays
Get into the holiday spirit on these classic Bay Area outings that are like a yule log for your soul.
VIEWThe Coast Is Clear
Go hike the hills, paddle to a lighthouse, and explore coastal caves near the classic beach town of Avila Beach.
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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).
Get the 2025 POST Hiking Calendar
Your Inbox to the Outdoors
Stay up to date with our weekly recommendations on where to explore locally in California.
Trending Stories NorCal
View all StoriesThe Occidental Tourist
The Grove of Old Trees in Occidental is 33 hidden acres of towering redwoods and the only privately owned preserve in Sonoma County that's free to the public. Hike one of two flat loop trails shaped like an upside-down peace sign.
View![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.
View![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.
ViewDrake 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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Trending Stories SoCal
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SponsoredSublime San Juan Islands
Well, well, this wellness action plan takes you to the San Juan Islands! Easily reached by ferry yet worlds away in tranquility and unique adventures, this Washington State jewel of the Salish Sea nurtures through nature.
View![]()
Merry in Moreno Valley
At 2.6 miles round trip, a quick escape to the out-and-back Cold Creek Trail in Moreno Valley is a great way to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
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Hike A Fall Classic
Reno hit the jackpot with its well-planned urban trail system, including the Tom Cooke Trail adjacent to the Truckee River, and brilliant in fall.
View![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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