Did the long weekend sneak up on you? Labor no more. It's easy to plan in a pinch with any of these ready to go adventures.




You've Got Purisima: A 10-mile hike that combines all the right stuff: hulking second-growth redwoods, rich fern canyons, spectacular views, and almost no people!

Good Abbotts: Hike 1.5 miles to Point Reyes' Abbotts Lagoon, a quiet oasis protected from the elements by large sand dunes. Spread a blanket and a picnic. Afterward wander the nearby seashore in search of sand dollars.


Monterey Ramble: Take it easy on the 18-mile car-free Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail, a converted railroad track that passes forests, sand dunes, sea otters, and icons like Cannery Row, Lovers Point, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Wilder Times: Fat-tire fun syncs up with coastal views and more than 30 miles of well-marked mountain bike trails for all abilities. Wilder Ranch State Park's toothpick-tight singletrack and wide-open fire roads will have you howling with delight.



Keep on Truckin': Tahoe's Truckee River is 5 miles of raucous high-alpine fun. Get the good times flowing on a do-it-yourself float trip using a rented raft, an inner tube, or whatever else will keep you buoyant.

Wild and Wooly: With Tioga Pass open, the drive to Mammoth Lakes is just a bit farther than Yosemite. Hike to Duck Lake, pedal the extensive mountain bike park, and kayak ancient Mono Lake.

Peaking Your Language

Love to hike? Add a little more meaning to your next day on the trail: Join the Breast Cancer Fund for its 15th annual Peak Hike on Mount Tamalpais on Sept. 26. Choose a 7-mile or 11.5-mile route through the Marin Headlands. Men and women are invited to enjoy the company of family and friends, and soloists are invited to make friends along the way. Weekend Sherpa readers—register early and pay just $25 (half off the regular registration!) using Promo Code "Sherpa." Your footsteps will lead the way to eliminating environmental and other preventable causes of breast cancer. After the hike, get pampered with a free massage, an organic lunch, live entertainment, yoga, and learn ways to reduce the risks at the healthy-living expo. In line with its mission, the Breast Cancer Fund strives to make Peak Hike a sustainable event committed to protecting our bodies and environment. Now you're peaking our language!

BONUS: Take the first step: Register for just $25 (half off) using Promo Code "Sherpa."

The Breast Cancer Fund's Peak Hike is on Sunday, Sept. 26. Use Promo Code "Sherpa" and save 50% on the registration fee (you pay just $25). A fundraising minimum of $250 will collectively support the Breast Cancer Fund's work to identify and eliminate the environmental causes of the disease.