National Park Hideaways

Sequoia Kings Canyon Fall Getaway

Looking for an autumn + winter wonderland minus the ski resort chaos? Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are the place for legendary leaf peeping and winter adventures without the crowds! It’s the “Land of the Giants,” home to the largest trees on earth—giant sequoias. It’s got the tallest peak in the lower 48—Mount Whitney. It also has the deepest canyon in the U.S.—Kings Canyon.

Hike or snowshoe beneath the giant sequoias on the Congress Trail near the world-famous General Sherman Tree. See “The Nation’s Christmas Tree” General Grant Tree (at 268 feet tall and 107 feet around, it’s a tough one to try and decorate!). Where to stay? The Grant Grove Cabins are walking distance to the General Grant Tree, and they’re open into November this year.

The Wuksachi Lodge is Sequoia’s signature year-round hotel—a striking stone-and-cedar lodge in the heart of the park. The John Muir Lodge is the pinnacle of Kings Canyon year-round lodging, a stately stone-and-timber retreat within minutes of the Grant Grove giant sequoias.

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  1. Hike to New Lights

    For an enlightening late-day hike, catch the San Francisco skyline at sunset from high atop Ring Mountain in Tiburon. This 2-mile (round-trip) hike to Turtle Rock is a perfect late afternoon wander.

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  2. Three Cheers

    Good things come in threes when you visit Sonoma. Head out on a short hike right from town, sip and stroll the historic plaza, then take in the magical holiday lights.

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  3. Hikers stand atop Lassen Peak in Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Weekend Sherpa Podcast: Take It Outside

    Adventure for your earbuds. What's new in the world of the outdoors? Listen to Weekend Sherpa co-founders discuss local hikes, beaches, bike rides, camping spots and all kinds of travel and adventure in California and beyond!

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  4. Island Tree Topper

    The light display atop Angel Island State Park’s Mount Livermore has long been a cheerful twinkle visible from many cities throughout the Bay Area on holiday season nights. Get into the festive spirit by hiking the 2-mile (one-way) trail from Ayala Cove up to the "Angel Lights."

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  1. 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.

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  2. Dune It Right

    Want a beach that will really get you away from it all? Monterey's Fort Ord Dunes State Park is just the ticket. And it often glows golden toward sunset.

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  3. A woman walks the path next to the beach at sunset at Palisades Park in Los Angeles County

    Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk

    With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.

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  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

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