All in Northern CA
Cooler Heads Prevail
We know, there's a lot going on! Keep your cool by getting out into nature for a change of scenery. These hikes and bike rides have big views, from redwoods to sea.
VIEWRenewed Perspective
Ready for a renewed perspective? Check the air quality, then hike any of these Bay Area beauties, from a classic in Point Reyes to a less known loop in the East Bay and a tranquil trail on the Peninsula.
VIEWParks and Rec
San Francisco's parks are places of respite and discovery. Here are some ways to go explore them anew. Bonus: you'll also some great points of view!
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SponsoredWarm 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
ViewWaterside Hikes and Bike Rides
Get Refreshed with these waterside hikes and bike rides featuring beautiful views, craft brews, and iconic bridges.
VIEWFour Goodness Lakes!
Enjoy the Sierra Nevada's most refreshing assets: lakes! Here are four lake camping destinations in the Sierra Nevada where you can escape for some lounging, paddling, and hiking.
VIEWSecret Sierra
The Lakes Basin is the High Sierra, simplified. About one hour northwest of Tahoe you'll find chill lakeside camping, miles of uncrowded hiking trails, and a lookout like no other.
VIEWHidden Labyrinths
Meditative, contemplative, creative, and sometimes just simply fun, labyrinths seem to pop up all over the Bay Area. Here are three to discover on hikes and bike rides.
VIEWA Midsummer Weekend's Dream
Get your midsummer mojo workin' with river kayaking, ridgetop hikes and bike rides, and a hideaway beach. These are some great ways to mix it up outdoors this summer.
VIEWThe Road Trip Less Traveled
A beautiful national park, wild and scenic rivers, hike-in hot springs, tent cabins in the mountains, peak hikes, wine tasting: do a road trip to Southern Oregon!
VIEWRidgetop Views
Peak hikes get a lot of attention. But what about ridgetop rambles? These hikes and bike rides in the Bay Area traverse amazing ridges for some seriously cinematic outdoors.
VIEWHike-in Beach Havens
We’re spoiled in California with so much beautiful shoreline. But the best stuff? Well, you gotta hike to get to it. Here are three Bay Area beaches to put on your summer list.
VIEWAngel Island Re-opens
When it comes to iconic Bay Area scenery, there’s something quite heavenly about Angel Island. Hike to its peak hike for panoramic views, chill out at a secret beach, or bike the Perimeter Road.
VIEWOutdoors Fourth Sure!
While this certainly won't be your typical Fourth of July, we're lucky we have some beautiful outdoors. Check out our New Rules of the Trail, and check out these hikes and bike rides. Be safe, happy Fourth!
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SponsoredWarm 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
ViewPoint Reyes Forever
We heart Point Reyes for all the reasons: spectacular open space, epic coastline, beautiful beaches, dramatic promontories, and wildlife of all kinds ... Here are three classic adventures in this stunning, natural wanderland.
VIEWOMG These Hikes!
Some hikes have that extra little something that makes them classics. In this case, it's the views you get on the trail. We're celebrating our new site with some favorite hikes.
VIEWYosemite Re-Opens
(whispering...) We don't want to cause a mad rush, but the Sierra Nevada's Shangri-La has re-opened! With visitation limited to about 50% of normal, it's a great time to hit the trails.
VIEWThe Outdoors for Everyone
Since 2006 our credo has been "the outdoors for everyone.” This was meant to inspire outdoor adventures for anybody, regardless of experience level, age, income, gender, or race.
VIEWOut You Go
As parks continue to re-open, going outdoors is making a comeback. And we're pretty excited. Here are some hikes in various counties across Northern California to get you inspired. As always, check official websites for information and updates before you go, since statuses may change. Enjoy your local trails!
VIEWEasing 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!
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Warm Up to Winter in Reno Tahoe
Winter's Best Activities in Reno Tahoe
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 Stories![A man takes a break at a temple spot on a hike at Dragon Mountain in Milptas]()
Dragon Quest
The newly reopened, 4-mile out-and-back hike at Dragon Mountain in Milpitas mixes the physical with the spiritual for a serene hiking experience.
ViewSoaking Up History
When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.
View![woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato]()
Buck Wild!
Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.
ViewState Park Soaker
Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.
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Trending Stories SoCal
View all Stories![A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.]()
Sunset Hike at Dante's View
It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.
ViewHot, Wet, and Wild!
At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, you can soak up a primeval landscape that’s amazingly close to Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395—it just feels a few geological epochs away.
ViewIt's a Waterfall Life
Tahquitz Canyon’s crystalline stream and lush stands of desert lavender, honey mesquite, and leafy sycamores is home to an easy day hike with a big bonus: a 60-foot waterfall that runs with remarkable gusto after winter rains.
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Oh Snow Nice
Live in California long enough, and you’ll come to know the rite of passage called “going to the snow”–when we ditch our fair-weather cities and towns in search of winter weather. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks deliver a winter wonderland worth a visit if there’s been a good dose of snow.
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