All in Southern CA
Bag an Eighter!
You know about fourteeners, but let’s talk about “eighters”—peaks over 8,000 feet high where you don’t have to battle oxygen deprivation to savor a satisfying summit view. You’ll get a challenging hike, of course, on any of these three favorites. You just won’t need supplemental O2!
VIEWThe Fourth is With You: Outside
How do you go fourth? Maybe a bike ride with a beer break, or some great local hikes. Paddling a canoe on one of SoCal's most famous lakes is pretty relaxing. So are trails where you can take your dog! Here are a few suggestions to get the outdoors inspiration going for the fourth-coming weekend!
VIEWStargazing Campgrounds
Falling stars, full moons, and a bevy of celestial events this year ... summer camping is full on fantastic when you 'set your sites' on these cool campgrounds featuring dark skies and famous observatories. Bonus: There's first-come, first-served options, too.
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Sublime 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 Like Summer Camp—Only Better!
Does the start of summer conjure memories of camp? Indulge a bit of nostalgia adult-style, with archery, hiking, canoeing, and a not-just-for-kids waterpark!
VIEWTake Dad Outdoors!
What's your Father's day plan? How about a peak hike and some beers? Or teaming up to snag a first-come, first-served campsite? There's always a bike ride and some brunch! Here are three great way to celebrate your dad with a little help from nature.
VIEWHurray for Long Days!
Cure for the common cubicle? Get outdoors! Whether you get out on one of these hikes this weekend or after work, right now is a great time to savor longer sunny SoCal days.
VIEWGet 'Er Done in Huntington
Huntington Beach may be better known as Surf City USA, but the outdoors fun here happens in more ways than hitting the waves. Spend a day exploring this stretch of Orange County coastline by way of an electric bike, an estuary hike, a firepit delight … and some nano brew IPAs.
VIEWSummer Starter Plan
This long weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, but spring bling still sparkles thanks to recent cool weather. Hike to a secret waterfall, kayak in to a campsite, or say "Hi-View" on a hike in Joshua Tree. Spring on summer!
VIEWSpring Rush!
Ready for your outdoors rush? Whether you like getting your thrills ziplining Yosemite-style or hiking to waterfalls that benefitted from winter's rains, here are some great ways to get outdoors and spring on the adventures.
VIEWMomma Said Get You Out!
We Weekend Sherpas love and respect our moms, which is why we let them choose our adventures for this Mother’s Day week. They came up with a pedal-boat picnic frolic, a flowery canyon hike, and a Carlsbad beach stroll followed by sweet treats. Nothing’s too good for Mom!
VIEWHydrated Hikes
Warming weather after a wet winter: what a great combo! Streams are flowing, lakes are filled...everything is primed for water(ish) adventuring. Check out a cool streamside hike, a secret little fishing lake, and a lush desert oasis. H2O to go!
VIEWYosemite Waterfalls Galore!
The waterfalls are raging, the wildflowers are popping, and the snow-capped granite scenery is epic! This spring, make your way to Yosemite by way of charming Mariposa. Hit the trails to see supercharged waterfalls, or bike around the valley floor, stopping at highlights along the way. Just get to Yosemite!
VIEWTechnicolor Hikes
Spring for an Easter hike this weekend: From waterfalls to wildflowers and an adventure on Catalina Island, here are some hikes to get you hopping!
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Sublime 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 Flower Power
Wildflower superblooms have gotten super publicity—and super mobbed. But there are ways to enjoy our flower displays a bit more quietly. Here’s a bouquet of three super sites for flower power where you can go on a quiet hike without big crowds. Have a bloomiful time!
VIEWParade of Cascades
We've had a lot of rain, and now it’s time to cash in! Old streams have new life, and waterfalls that were once a trickle are roaring down our mountain canyons. Here are a few you may not have heard of (in fact, one doesn’t even have a name). Go to the flows!
VIEWWaterside Hikes for Spring
Thirsty for some outdoors? We've got some water for that! From strolling the shoreline of an ethereal desert lake to hiking seaside to spy some whales, here are some amazing waterside wanders perfect for spring. H2-Omg!
VIEWJoshua Tree Art Hikes
Joshua Tree National Park is itself a work of natural art, so it’s no surprise that this gorgeous desert is a magnet for artsy individuals. Here are three hikes in the northern part of the park that are close to surprising art venues where music, movie sets, sculpture, and even crochet (!) are on display.
VIEWAncient Wanders
Hiking is a fantastic way to walk in the footsteps of Native Americans who thrived in Southern California long before the Spanish arrived. From Chumash villages in the Santa Monicas to Luiseño rock art in Perris, explore the vestiges of Native American culture on these three beautiful hikes.
VIEWWild & Weird Salton Sea
The strange, weirdly beautiful Salton Sea is the largest lake in California (sorry, Tahoe) and among the lowest in the world. Yes, a sea below sea level. It’s also the centerpiece of some of the state’s quirkiest scenery and most oddball attractions. You’ve got to see Salton at least once, and early spring is the best time to do it.
VIEWHot Soaks
Don't let the winter chill be a buzzkill. Sink into some warmth and soak yourself silly at hot springs. Here are a few to visit in SoCal and the Sierra.
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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 CalendarYour Inbox to the Outdoors
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