All in Southern CA

  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunrise, Sunset, Starry Desert Hikes

    March in Death Valley is (dare we say) full of life! There’s a dark sky festival to kick off the month, and the temporary Manly Lake at Badwater Basin—the lowest point in North America—is still going strong (for now). Here’s your guide to a sunrise, sunset, and starry night hiking trifecta for winter and early spring in Death Valley National Park.

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  2. Walks for Black History Month

    With a break in the stormy weather, now is a good time to venture out and pay homage to Black History Month at these monuments, landmarks, and murals in LA county. 

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  3. Dragon Days Ahead

    Lunar new year is February 10, and hopefully the wet weather won't dampen spirits for upcoming celebrations both this weekend and next. Check out these garden and urban park walks with on-site or nearby events for the Year of the Dragon!

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  4. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  5. Woman hiking on the trail at Trebek Open Space in Los Angeles County

    Post Rain Vistas

    Wait for it, wait for it ... when(ever) the rain stops, give Mother Earth a little time, then venture on some hikes that have beautiful views when the sky has been scrubbed clean.

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  6. Winter Glow Hikes

    SoCal's late afternoon sun mixed with some clouds can cast beautiful light across landscapes near and far. Here are three less known hikes for soaking in some late-day sun and beautiful scenery.

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  7. Brighten Grey Days With Urban Art & Garden Walks

    When the weather forecast is grey and gloomy with a good chance of rain, you can still hit some more urban trails and find a little color in murals and gardens. Sunnier days ahead!

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  8. Short & Mighty Workout Hikes (With Great Views!)

    No need to wait for the gyms to clear out by the end of the month. Step outside and turn your wellness dial to 11 on these three short but hearty hikes that offer a good workout and soul-quenching scenery.

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  9. Fresh Outlooks

    Happy New Year! When the rain settles, go find a fresh outlook on any of these viewtiful hikes to kickstart 2024.

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  10. Top 10 2023 Outdoor Adventures

    It's the greatest hits of the great SoCal outdoors, and a few points beyond. Here are the top 10 adventures of 2023, based on very scientific evidence (basically, what you engaged the most!). Have a happy new year and see you in 2024!

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  11. Shhh...Hikes and Walks and Super Scenic Spots

    Happy holidays. Find some merry outdoors with a less known hike, urban walk, and a super scenic hilltop spot.

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  12. Quiet Hikes

    This holiday season find a little peace in nature. These quieter hikes feature forest, lakes, and a section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Check the forecast and if the weather outside isn’t frightful, you’ll find these adventures delightful.

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  13. Get Some Holiday Space

    It's okay to ask for a little space this holiday season, including open space! From a secluded hike-in beach to an LA hill with big and bold views, plus a trail for your dog to roam alongside you, here are three great ways to space out ... outdoors!

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  14. Cinematic Coast

    Mendocino County has been the location for more than 50 movies, including classics like James Dean’s “East of Eden.” It’s not hard to see why, with its small-town charms, redwood forests, blue-green bays, rocky headlands, and sublime beaches (with hidden stairways!). Here are some easy ways to make Mendocino the backdrop of your next great escape.

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  15. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

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  16. Happy Ho-LA-Days

    Who's talking turkey? Not us. We're talking the great outdoors! Whether you want to sweat first on some stairways, then indulge in the pie, or are looking for casual hikes the whole family can enjoy, here are a few great ways to enjoy the holidays in Los Angeles. County

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  17. Hooray for These Holiday Hikes

    We're not talking turkey. We're talking what to do before or after the main event. Grab your favorite folks and head out for an autumn adventure, including some where you can bring your dog. Check out these hikes for some holiday spice.

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  18. Woman hiking in California desert

    Reopened and Ready

    After Tropical Storm Hilary, some of our national parks in desert locations were closed due to intense damage. The good news is they've recently re-opened, and fall brings cooler temps. From less-known canyons to perfect peaks for sunset, here are three unique desert hiking experiences open to you! --

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  19. Made for Fall Adventures

    Some hikes are best paired with fall. From fewer people to colorful foliage and formations, here are three great parks for autumn-matic consideration.

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  20. Hiking Cobb Estate Haunted Forest

    Hikes for Halloween Spirit(s)

    Spirits and ghosts and phantoms, oh my ... this Halloween weekend, go on any of these five boo-tiful hikes with hints of hauntings and creepy crawly ambience.

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  21. Falling for Paso

    Take a trip to real California this fall … the California you might not know but truly should! Paso Robles's wine country, beautiful backroads, and unfussy outdoors is an absolute revelation. Relish the bucolic landscapes, rolling vineyards, pristine lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, and spirited small town brimming with cuisine, art, and culture. Just a few hours from San Francisco or Los Angeles, here’s a road trip itinerary to see this hidden gem.

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  22. Monterey's Many Hidden Gems

    Monterey is not only stunningly beautiful by nature, it's an historical and ecological cornerstone of California. Experience its less-known state parks, hidden gem hikes, a coastal trail to a lighthouse, marvelous food and culture, and the brilliance of Monterey Bay Aquarium's newest exhibit and special guided tours.

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A Hiker looking over a mountain range

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  1. Woman walking down the stairs overlooking the ocean on the Coastal Trail in San Francisco

    America's Best Urban Hike

    Long ago we dubbed it the “Grand Walk” and said it was one of the most scenic and stunning trails in the West. We were wrong. This is the most scenic urban hike in America!

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  2. Hike or Bike the Skyline

    A new section of the Bay Area Ridge Trail is open for biking, hiking, or horseback riding along the 12-mile (out-and-back) Skyline Watershed Ridge Trail.

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  3. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

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  1. Lagoon Swoon

    We all love an underdog story, especially in the shadow of the greats. Enter a truly SoCal coastal version: Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Though situated next to Surfrider Beach, a fa

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  2. Sponsored

    Extra-Celestial Central Oregon

    Some trips promise you the moon and the stars. And this one delivers in a big way, plus throws in some extra planets for your viewing pleasure. From Bend, Sunriver, and Sisters to Antelope Basecamp in the remote high desert.

    View
  3. Tree Town

    Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.

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