All Stories from Southern CA

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  Yosemite Magic Trick

  Yosemite’s High Country is magical and without crowds. At a lofty 8,700 feet, Tuolumne Meadows is one of the best trailheads for hiking or backpacking a land of smooth granite domes, high alpine meadows, jagged peaks, and sapphire lakes. Here's a 3-night backpacking itinerary...

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  Zion the Prize

  Geological wonders, massive canyon views, and a bit of a grind to get to the good stuff … it’s all part of the blissful isolation you can find on the West Rim Trail at Zion, the fo

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  Bear and Beer Necessities

  The Bear Canyon Trail to Bear Flats at Mount Baldy is a 3.4-mile (round-trip) hike with big mountain views. It also leaves you with enough time to grab a beer and quench your post-hike thirst.

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  Big Dalton Views and Brews!

  The Keiser Trail in Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park might not be big in mileage, but it’s definitely big on beautiful views of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains.

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  Anchor Yourself in Anchorage

  When it comes to the ultimate adventure basecamp, set your anchor in Anchorage. Located at the base of the Chugach Mountains, Anchorage gets you easy access to 60 glaciers to see, paddle up to, hike, fly over, or climb.

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  Crystal Ball

  Find the magical snow-, rain-, and spring-fed Crystal Lake perched at 5,539 feet in the center of the Angeles National Forest. There's camping too. And it's first-come, first-served!

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  Dam Cool!

  Head to the accessible southwest section of the Angeles National Forest, where you’ll find a hike to the historic Brown Mountain Dam. Few hikers, one refreshing reward!

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  Summer's Must Sea

  The newly reopened Monterey Bay Aquarium never misses a “Best of” list—for good reason. The Aquarium’s location right on the shores of Monterey Bay, with waves crashing below the decks, is a mesmerizing experience.

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  Haines Your Way

  Enter the Debris basins, one of the less-visited, less-appreciated water features of the San Gabriels. Go on an out-and-back hike that highlights the Haines Canyon Debris Basin, and features some awesome valley views.

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  High Sierra Lake Hop

  Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.

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  Ojai There!

  If a substantive and super scenic bike ride is right in your wheelhouse, do the 30-mile (round-trip) Ventura-to-Ojai bike path that begins (and ends) near the Ventura shoreline, pit-stopping in delightful Ojai for food and drinks.

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  Camp Casitas

  Just 20 minutes from downtown Ventura, Lake Casitas Recreation Area is like summer camp all over again. There’s a 5.75-mile shoreline hike, a rugged disc golf experience, and reservoir boating. There’s also nearly 450 campsites across its massive grounds.

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  Sea You Soon!

  After over a year of being closed, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is ready for some quality time with you! A visit to Monterey this time of year is a refreshing coastal escape of beaches and bike paths and beautiful blooms, with a big bonus: The region’s marquee attraction is at the heart of it all.

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  Skip School for the Beach

  Head to UCSD (University of California, San Diego) for a campus stroll followed by a hike down sandstone cliffs to Black’s Beach in La Jolla.

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  Art of the Matter

  Wander the school grounds of the most-applied-to university in the nation for an outdoors study in art, architecture, and gardening. The University of California, Los Angeles has a nice 3.5-mile route with historic buildings, unique sculptures, serene botanic gardens, and no final exams!

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  Hike Reno Tahoe!

  With its vibrant summer events and easy outdoor access, Reno Tahoe is a fantastic choice for adventure. From mountain peaks to premier views of Lake Tahoe, here are some of the best hikes in the region.

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  Hodges and Hodgee Monster

  Escondido’s Lake Hodges is one of the most beautiful lake settings in San Diego, with Kumeyaay history, phenomenal birdwatching, a world-record-holding bridge, and a resident lake monster!  Do a 5.5-mile shoreline hike here ...  

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  Miramarvelous

  Hike a 5-mile loop around Lake Miramar that never loses sight of the reservoir and features charming docks, dense chaparral forests, and plenty of local waterfowl. 

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  Go For Guajome

  Head to Guajome County Park in Oceanside for a hidden lake twofer hike via a 4-mile loop trail traversing most of the 394-acre haven.

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  From Colorado to Naples

  Combine a loop around the serene Colorado Lagoon and the canals of Naples for a unique 4.5-mile adventure in Long Beach that will make you forget you’re in a bustling metropolis.

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